tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58827619272837130992024-03-20T21:54:02.789-07:00BALANCING ACTJewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-61817859995148260092017-04-19T14:52:00.002-07:002017-04-19T14:52:40.171-07:00KonMari Mommy, How Tidying Up Actually Happened in a Five Child Family #mariekondo #tidyingup<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">KonMari Mommy<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">How Tidying Up Magic Actually Happened <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">in a Five Child Family<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 14.0pt;">by Julia M.L. Whitehead<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to
understand why I felt compelled to write this article, there are some things
you need to know about me. I’ve always aimed to live the adage, “Use it up,
wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Values of preparedness and thrift
permeate from my core. On top of that, I KEEP things in the name of sentiment.
So statements written by Marie Kondo in her book The Life Changing Magic of
Tidying Up, like, “Unnecessary objects in your home are a burden” and, “Don’t
be distracted by thoughts of being wasteful” totally contented with my belief
system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My husband, on the other hand, is
naturally hoard-conscious. I understand his desire to help keep our brimming
home livable, but there have been times when the messes fuel his dejunking
desires beyond what I consider reasonable. I can’t forget the semi-broken Mouse
Trap game, the toy doll crib, and the action figure that I literally pulled out
of our big green garbage can after discovering he had chucked them without my
knowing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can keep playing a
semi-broken Mouse Trap game that was bought with your child’s own hard-earned
money, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The author promises “a change so
profound that it touches your emotions,” and also that this change “will
irresistibly affect your way of thinking and your lifestyle habits.” I honestly
thought that was a tall order in my case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Kondo touted convincing each client
to willingly throw out massive quantities of “garbage”, I felt nervousness,
doubt, and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">large</b> dose of
defensiveness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was leery about jumping
in to such purging. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These emotions
boiled inside me as she spoke of “re-setting your life” through tidying. Did I
really want to spend my limited time and energy gutting the entire house? Had
this expert tidier dealt with big families and large living spaces? I am among
the western mothers who wondered how much credence we should give to this
extreme, young, “Tiger Mother for Your Home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But when I answered, “yes” to her
question “Have you ever tidied madly only to find that all too soon your
workplace is cluttered again?” I admitted I must have something to learn. Kondo
claims that the storage containers you needed, will often be found amidst current
belongings. Re-organizing without spending money on more containers to store my
stuff? That possibility appealed to a thrifty Momma like me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I continued listening and,
category-by-category, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magic</i>
ensued.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Feat #1, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Attractive”</i> CLOTHING<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because I
was studying this book with a group of Moms who expected a weekly report, I
stuck my toe into the first category Kondo recommends a person sort; clothing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Getting rid
of some too slender slacks felt sensible, and safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said goodbye to one of my three swimsuits
that the chlorine had made threadbare. With my closet eventually complete, I
moved on to the apron drawer. Since I had received a new frilly apron for
Christmas, I felt like parting with one I had sewn as a newlywed would be
natural. The forest green apron with red angel print lasted about a day in the
donation bag before I just had to run out and rescue it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kondo claims that “Just because you dispose
of something does not mean you give up past experiences, or your identity.” But
that apron’s memories seemed tied ever so tightly to its strings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t let it go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remembering
“unnecessary objects in my home are a burden, and “what you wear affects your
self esteem”, I tackled the rest of the closets in our seven person house. It
was helpful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(and almost <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magical</i>) to visualize the people who may
be receiving some of the clothes that no longer served us, but were still in
good shape. It was also helpful (although initially laughable, especially for
my tweens) to vocally thank certain articles for protecting and adorning our
bodies while in our possession. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in
tune with Kondo’s personification of different articles, and found it helpful
to wish them well on their journey away from our home once they had fulfilled
their purpose for us. My family, however, could never do it with a straight
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that they were
participating in the tidying process was enough for me, even if they didn’t
concur with what they thought were eccentric antics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My family’s
participation in my tidying furor was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magic</i>
manifestation number one. Once we were all on a roll, we easily cleared out
those closets, including throwing about a billion cheap department store
hangers into the recycling bin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
before my eyes, the first garbage bag was filled. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shazam!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some
surprising “Law of Attraction” type magic followed. According to Life Coach
Talane Miedaner, <span style="mso-text-raise: 3.0pt; position: relative; top: -3.0pt;">“</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Decluttering is probably the fastest and
easiest way to attract something new in your life. It can be surprising and
even shocking to see how quickly new and better things and opportunities come
into your life.” </span><sup><span style="mso-text-raise: 3.0pt; position: relative; top: -3.0pt;">1</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here’s how
it happened for me. My sister-in-law, who was also reading Kondo’s book cleaned
out her closet and brought her “tidying trophies” (a.k.a. full 13 gallon bags)
to me as donations for a school fundraiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fine arts department found an organization that pays by the pound
for bags of anything soft. I was glad I didn’t resist the urge to glance
through them, though, since over ten of the things she discarded were perfectly
fitted to my size and taste! Please know that I said goodbye to one additional
piece of clothing for everything I kept. (I know Marie doesn’t generally feel
like this practice is a sufficient tidying method, but I hope she would still
be pleased with my overall wardrobe upgrade!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As is the
goal of Kondo’s book, I have now developed my awareness of what brings me joy
to the point where I can go through a bag of free second hand clothes with
confidence and ease. Rather than hanging on to too many “loungewear” articles,
I pass them by knowing they will bless somebody else. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Feat #2, CLOTHING continued, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If the Box Fits…”<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marie gives
shoeboxes a five star rating as storage containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> used sturdy shoeboxes for Legos or batteries. Marie’s praise
of them caused me to take their usage to a whole new level. Each girl in my
home now stores her tights in a shoebox drawer divider. Because my husband is
not a box saver, unless it’s close to Christmas, I don’t generally have
shoeboxes available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still somehow they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magically</i> materialized to fulfill
organizational needs! While tidying papers in the storage room, we ran across
last year’s Valentine’s box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter
was magically willing to bid a fond farewell to Cookie Monster, and we
repurposed him as her drawer divider. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUYCXTtTIEZwzzPel34P5HFwEvXsJJpoDAOvP407Q21oWBCN2UN8leyeQDms2f1wcZ0KpxfnX0ZPGXD4P3fWIMCHZ96UgJ0nFnKWsVaNspDxGlvia5lIQEO_ZVawnOFWCqq8j6EixrwyT/s1600/socksafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUYCXTtTIEZwzzPel34P5HFwEvXsJJpoDAOvP407Q21oWBCN2UN8leyeQDms2f1wcZ0KpxfnX0ZPGXD4P3fWIMCHZ96UgJ0nFnKWsVaNspDxGlvia5lIQEO_ZVawnOFWCqq8j6EixrwyT/s200/socksafter.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI1kP4vnXDPUZJNiZXabEJltT5P8FXFli5t69S0syWzTAXbXWvO5LfkuiMyWCKUfudSnMYxhq0ZBYVcTcCJpJHdB7rzoO-AdEYTBPFaWPN3mFFpQoiI_mgBRu0fDh4hH0YmEuz1budzQk/s1600/socksbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI1kP4vnXDPUZJNiZXabEJltT5P8FXFli5t69S0syWzTAXbXWvO5LfkuiMyWCKUfudSnMYxhq0ZBYVcTcCJpJHdB7rzoO-AdEYTBPFaWPN3mFFpQoiI_mgBRu0fDh4hH0YmEuz1budzQk/s200/socksbefore.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will my
girls’ unmentionables be folded and placed in vertical rows every week. Heavens
no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way too many socks and undies are
constantly a comin’ through my washing machine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, if it appears there are too many socks in this drawer, don’t
fret. As any mom of school-aged kids can attest, the natural processes of
dancing and dragging will reduce them before we know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My own t-shirt drawer also became permanently
more pleasant and functional by applying Marie’s folding methods. I
conveniently finished enjoying my box of holiday chocolates just in time to
serve as my “junk drawer” divider.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:black;mso-themecolor:
text1'>Office Drawer BEFORE & AFTER<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Do I have too many notepads? Maybe. But the author has given
the perfect comeback for times when someone questions your favorite
collections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“They bring me joy.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>Feat #3, PAPERS : Vertical Files = No More Piles!<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
took the author’s advice to "Try taking a pile you already have and
standing it on edge. You instantly become more aware of what/ how much is in
the pile." </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wasn’t
sure how to get this job done without running to the store for more magazine
dividers. Then I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magically </i>remembered
that I had emptied one when I went through my books. Marie actually convinced
me to get rid of at least fifteen old magazines whose content can now be found
online. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my highlighting and
margin notes can never be physically recovered, Kondo reminded me that the
knowledge came to me when it was meant to, and is now stored somewhere in my
subconscious, and I have to trust that I will recall it in time of needed
inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, this difficult
parting produced exactly what I needed! (Because I underwent the Mind
Organization for Moms course around the same time I read this book, the divider
now serves as my “read and review” basket.) My husband has one that matches. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Viola!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb03LpFwmnV6ImYEOa1KaRBRJWtv7H63KCUZJEID6pJ3l2r6fcQUvbDfT1SVrUc3MtP88znbVeb7y6EHgRCOHERNg-r1y28TP_vnvyE-pxVxzpXoEGiUbS38Whig7gGx3kQQXs8tkFU4k/s1600/filesbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb03LpFwmnV6ImYEOa1KaRBRJWtv7H63KCUZJEID6pJ3l2r6fcQUvbDfT1SVrUc3MtP88znbVeb7y6EHgRCOHERNg-r1y28TP_vnvyE-pxVxzpXoEGiUbS38Whig7gGx3kQQXs8tkFU4k/s320/filesbefore.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYhoqbzU33OThnYR2usbrzpHONJKTynZGVmEAciQDdr_pJkZGzt_g2bzRgzrlfZZbjvdW2VsdCyhXstfUndQhAgCJG8XRU1K2dMZfVxR2JdhMsPSBbO8tknKEIV5C-5-GhpEywyXILq91/s1600/filesafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYhoqbzU33OThnYR2usbrzpHONJKTynZGVmEAciQDdr_pJkZGzt_g2bzRgzrlfZZbjvdW2VsdCyhXstfUndQhAgCJG8XRU1K2dMZfVxR2JdhMsPSBbO8tknKEIV5C-5-GhpEywyXILq91/s320/filesafter.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<u>Feat #4, TOYS: “Toying With My Mind”<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sleek,
young, single author did not cover managing toys. She does have a section on
Japanese charms, and what she calls “Komono”, or miscellaneous stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even given her lack of experience mothering
multiple children, I have no doubt that she could come over and coach us through
a tactical trinket overhaul. I believe the proverb referenced by Kondo; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A messy room equals a messy mind. “ The
positive effect that de-junking physical items can have on your mind is
undeniable. This must be why, when it came time to tidy my playroom, the freed
space in my brain made me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magically </i>able
to come up with an improvement for the constant clutter problem. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Geotrax set that we love was
overflowing out its Rubbermaid container.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because the lid didn’t fit on, the pieces were easily accessible and the
toddler’s temptation to DUMP resulted in a perpetual pile of unconnected
pieces. Not wanting to go purchase alternative containers, I waited for a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magical</i> stroke of inspiration. Then it
came. If I transferred the Geotrax into two of my holiday décor totes, the
whole set would fit nicely inside his bedroom closet! I immediately did so, and
switched the holiday décor into the awkwardly shaped long tote. I placed it
under the basement stairs where we only need to access it once a year. Of
course, I discarded a few unnecessary/ duplicate things out of all the aforementioned
bins during this “stroke of genius” swapping process!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fZUU8M9ORbXorxP0ioZP6OGIhuNukXezAkGhOww6tqmu45WgzPvSpTknLnpXLCwO5Ey_JIPx47900RVAAyDcd6-c_DrYsFfvGIsCWLhR_vG9YDBVQgg2sGiMhMeNf2aVur10NLb6pQs_/s1600/toysbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fZUU8M9ORbXorxP0ioZP6OGIhuNukXezAkGhOww6tqmu45WgzPvSpTknLnpXLCwO5Ey_JIPx47900RVAAyDcd6-c_DrYsFfvGIsCWLhR_vG9YDBVQgg2sGiMhMeNf2aVur10NLb6pQs_/s200/toysbefore.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp6yane09uTyT5iq9q6lfGjojUf8qtkhXvG6G0rmEse6gbcJOm-J1Uk0CxlIM6RbXb5dib9svNFUdZvXP_3RxdnE0IBhe2Fr3l5lY2nczPiZ3oXETQJA9cShjBokEqi8St8mXib_NFRSs/s1600/toysafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp6yane09uTyT5iq9q6lfGjojUf8qtkhXvG6G0rmEse6gbcJOm-J1Uk0CxlIM6RbXb5dib9svNFUdZvXP_3RxdnE0IBhe2Fr3l5lY2nczPiZ3oXETQJA9cShjBokEqi8St8mXib_NFRSs/s200/toysafter.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>Our playroom is also my youngest son’s bedroom.
Notice how his closet is arranged with the long, heavy clothing on the left.
(Go me.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The theory
posed by the author is that if you tidy up “all in one go,” it will prevent
rebound. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because she wasn’t actually
here coaching me (just through my audiobook ear bud), I surely held on to more
than would be ideal according to the KonMari method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I could count on my fingers the
number of garbage bags that are gone. Most things were donated. I guarantee
only the absolute trash went to the curbside. Despite my long held tendencies
to stockpile in the name of preparedness, I dove in and discarded enough to
produce some promised visible and emotional effects! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the
conclusion of Kondo’s book, she talks about her favorite little green T-shirt
with a Japanese anime print, that she feels silly for not giving up. With this
confession, she gave me permission to indulge in keeping selected items, like
my homemade forest green angel apron, that bring me a unique type of joy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kondo
eventually convinced me that not just continuous straightening of clutter, but
having a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tidying mindset</i> is helpful
in creating and maintaining order in any home. Her respectful treatment of
belongings led to my respectful view of her principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”
increased my awareness of the unnecessary STUFF surrounding me and moved me to
deep cleaning action in a healthy, almost <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magica</i>l
way! In my household we are not striving to be featured in a design magazine.
We are, however, working together more effectively than ever to maintain the
level of order we have worked hard to achieve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am left
to hope that all of the re-organizing we’ve been inspired to do as a five-child,
one income family will really keep our house in impeccably tidy order. But alas,
as my mothering friends could attest, that would take not only a tidying expert
- but a bona fide <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">magician.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>http://www.lifecoach.com/articles/time/decluttering-activates-law-attraction<o:p></o:p></div>
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</style>Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-76226550945466904662016-08-07T21:08:00.001-07:002016-08-07T21:08:17.788-07:00ToddlerezeI betcha a speech and language pathologist would have a name for what I have noticed happening with Wesley's language development this past phase. It is fascinating and hilarious.<br />
He remembers just the vowel sound chunk of a certain word, and crosses it with another. Here are examples:<br />
<br />
He has been interested in blowing on the white wishing flower/ weeds in the grass. (dandelions). He told me one day he wanted to find a "Napolean Dynamite" flower to blow. These words have the "lion/leon" sound in common.<br />
<br />
We have a spin off version of the classic game, "Trouble" where the dice dances around under a clear plastic bubble. Instead of asking to play "Pop-O-Matic Trouble", Wesley pointed to the game and requested "Puff the Magic Dragon." Same number of syllables, and the "Ma-ic" sounds match.<br />
<br />
He was mixing up the names for wheel barrow, and parachute. I can't remember which he was calling which.<br />
<br />
And the hilarious one came when he was talking about some dear friends of ours, the NEBEKER family. He wanted to go visit them, and especially their youngest, Jace. He told me he likes to play bay blades with "JACE HAMBURGER."<br />
<br />
He says it all with a straight face, cuz he's not trying to be funny or clever. I get such a kick out of it.<br />
<br />
Good thing Moms are usually pretty good at deciphering toddler-eze.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-28678304460142417572016-04-04T21:48:00.001-07:002016-04-04T21:48:24.505-07:00Security Stroller<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>Letting go of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My
Security Stroller<o:p></o:p></b></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>by Julia M.L. Whitehead<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>Dec. 2015<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I’m the girl
pushing the empty stroller. The first time it happened. I was on my way in to
the elementary school to volunteer. My two-year-old wanted desperately to
activate the handicap door, so I unbuckled him. He reached up and pressed it
with much satisfaction, then continued through the entryway on his own two
feet. I, of course, followed him through the hallways, empty stroller in tow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
since found myself “empty strollered” at the children’s’ museum, the library,
and multiple times at the neighborhood park. Why do I continue to cart my
stroller around when my pre-school age son prefers to walk? Obviously the
ability to contain a child at a moment’s notice proves very helpful in many
circumstances. Additionally, their little legs don’t always carry them the
speed or the distance Mom needs to go. Ultimately, however, I’m afraid the real
reason I keep bring the stroller along is that I personally don’t want to let
it go! It is my security stroller.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before
having children, I taught at a school where the stroller Moms would linger in
the lobby chatting long after the ringing of the morning bell. Although it was
somewhat of a distraction/ barricade for us teachers, I was attracted to the
idea of someday taking a similar social stroll each morning. Especially during
the brisk autumn weather, I gazed through my confining classroom windows to
those stroller moms who seemed refreshingly free.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I did finally join that coveted club, I reveled in the liberating midmorning
walks. In my youth I hadn’t realized that the price of that perceived freedom
would include sleepless nights, and a myriad of other physical discomforts. But
I tried to take those hang-ups all in stride. I was a stroller Mom. During one
of my morning walks, my exuberance even inspired the following ditty:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">STROLLER SONG<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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No snow<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s go<o:p></o:p></div>
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Been trapped all winter long!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The time of year<o:p></o:p></div>
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To get in gear<o:p></o:p></div>
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And sing our stroller song.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Burn fat<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chit chat<o:p></o:p></div>
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We simply can’t go wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Walking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Singing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Our little stroller song!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sMnCXpKrjuRcfVma9A_AZ9fet3lOjD31o_D8mEIpfvMRBOtWxYtYPF2X8dfpGss2dVM5HRWLPh3ATxrPz1OmYfxlImNVqRTOBQ5wPg7Osc5Mjz7CVJlEoOfrwDmbL6UweLNkAjEhO9Qw/s1600/christmas+001_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sMnCXpKrjuRcfVma9A_AZ9fet3lOjD31o_D8mEIpfvMRBOtWxYtYPF2X8dfpGss2dVM5HRWLPh3ATxrPz1OmYfxlImNVqRTOBQ5wPg7Osc5Mjz7CVJlEoOfrwDmbL6UweLNkAjEhO9Qw/s320/christmas+001_edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
not striding solo, I developed dear relationships with neighbors as we pushed
our luxury handcarts up and down local pathways. Over sippy cup drinks and
pretzels we vocally sorted out the issues in our heads, and did our bodies an
energizing favor. On days I was alone, I sometimes even broke out the roller
blades! Multiple parks lie within reasonable distance, which provided the
perfect backdrop for making outdoor mothering memories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although
a stroller can prove bulky in elevators or crowded stores, the perks can’t be
overlooked. Gentlemen hold the door for you. Grandmas comment on your adorable
bundle. You have the ability to stow all the baby gear while smoothly
navigating new surroundings. Given these and other experiences, “Stroller Mom”
has seeped into my identity in a very integral way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Five kids and many
flat tires later, my husband asked me if we could possibly get rid of one of the
FIVE strollers taking up space in the garage. I quickly explained to him that the
single jogger is necessary for trekking across grassy soccer fields. The fully
reclining stroller does the trick for daylong trips when on-the-go naps are
needed. The bike trailer is perfect for bad weather because it includes a rain
flap. And we all know the umbrella must stay in the car AT ALL TIMES for
everyday outings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To appease my hoard
cautious husband, I did finally find a trusted owner for the double jogger, and
bid it a fond farewell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have come to terms with the fact that my childbearing years are through. It is
okay that diaper changes and breastfeeding are soon to be only memories. The
crib has been taken down. But for some reason, I think the hardest thing to let
go will be the stroller. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was ecstatic recently at the chance to attend a festive craft show without my
youngest son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I arrived at the
non-kid-friendly event, I automatically popped open my umbrella stroller. I
told my Mom and sister that the stroller would be helpful in carrying coats and
bags, and it was! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we all know
something inside me just needed to push it around. Baby or not, it is my
security stroller. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Question: What baby possession was/ will be the hardest for
you to part with?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Challenge: Stroller or not, this week- take a walk!<o:p></o:p></div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-2325255225204046862016-01-21T13:22:00.002-08:002016-01-21T13:26:20.104-08:00A DanceI ran across this poem in the newspaper and clipped it out years ago to hang in my kitchen. I am ready to throw away the clipping, because I am "tidying", but don't want to lose the words.<br />
They were written by a 10th grader who must have a wonderful Mom. She won a poetry contest at Karl G. Maeser Prep. Academy in Lindon. I would estimate it was around 5 years ago. (Yes, it has been that long since I REALLY went through this certain paper pile.) Enjoy.<br />
<br />
A Dance<br />
by Heidi Hoskins<br />
<br />
Mother takes out a cookbook and becomes a dancer-<br />
The tile floor her glittering stage<br />
The kitchen her auditorium<br />
Her apron a glorious dancing gown.<br />
<br />
She dances, Her music<br />
The subtle plopping of ingredients in an orchestra,<br />
The pop rock of oil<br />
The lolling of water<br />
The undertone of the kitchen timer<br />
The sounds of heaven.<br />
<br />
She opens the oven<br />
Smells wafting, escaping,<br />
Appealing to every sense.<br />
Her gown streams along with her,<br />
Like slowly poured milk.<br />
Her grace is like butter in a pan.<br />
<br />
Slipping sliding, beautiful<br />
The kitchen seems to flow in unison with her<br />
Following her unspoken plea of obedience<br />
All together<br />
The dance over-<br />
The taste of applause is on your tongue<br />
<br />
Makes me want to look through this dusty pile of "Light and Tasty" magazines that have been sitting in my cupboard for those same 5 years!<br />
<br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-24994303973381362492015-12-31T14:36:00.002-08:002015-12-31T14:36:23.189-08:00LASIK THROUGH MY EYES<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>LASIK
THROUGH MY EYES<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
By Julia
M.L. Whitehead 12-29-15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m at the Eye Institute of Utah,
and I can’t get a glasses case?” A puzzling predicament. How had I forgotten
proper protection for my faithful snerdy friends? I was instead offered several
tissues, with which I graciously accepted, and used to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gently wrap the lenses that had made every
day of my life possible to live from 4<sup>th</sup> grade up to this pivotal
point. The day I underwent LASIK.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Two live consultations and hours of
internet research led me to this decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After entering what reminded me of
a spaceship through tinted sliding glass doors, I crawled on to the operation
bed. I asked the assistant whether anyone had ever flinched hard during
surgery. I guess I feared I may be the first. I wondered why there were no
straps on the bed with which to keep my arms down. Then the word ELECTIVE
answered my perplexed musing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This was an elective procedure. I
folded my arms into a self-calming hug, with my hands tucked tightly under the
armpits. This was just in case I felt a reflexive urge to slap away clamps or
other metallic objects approaching my pupils. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The attendants and Dr. Zavodni
were, thankfully, sensitive to my uneasiness and skilled at talking me through
the steps. The cones of white and purple lights were easy to focus on, as was
the blinking green mass. I may not , however, enjoy laser light shows nearly as
much in the future due to “flashbacks” of having to watch them constantly without
the ability to blink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Although it lasted only a
relatively short time, losing the ability to blink felt akin to losing the
ability to breathe! The doctor did a good job of keeping my eyes numb and
hydrated with drops. I was thankful he wasted no time. But for someone who had
never had any sort of surgery, the whole thing- from the metal clamps, to the
recurrent flap-smoothing strokes felt harshly invasive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the Dr.’s gentle hands, I wasn’t surprised
afterward to see a small red mark where I’m sure the clamp had rested. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I especially appreciated during the surgery when
Brittney announced, “6 seconds left” so I could count down during the flap
cutting portion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I wondered if the Doctor noticed
tears forming in my eyes as my lip quivered after the cutting of flap #2. I
think I cried due to sheer sensory overload rather than actual pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the most uncomfortable parts, I kept
my breaths deep and even and tried to focus my mind anywhere but on the eyes.
Thoughts of my cancer fighting friend, Alisa, and her toughness carried me
through this comparably miniscule procedure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This was one of the moments when my
decision to have LASIK rather than PRK was confirmed as the correct one. The
salesman at LVI (the other establishment with whom I consulted) was so pro- PRK
that John and I were totally talked into it . I had also been scared by a
review written by a woman who suffered from a permanent wrinkle in her LASIK
flap. Further reading online referred to LASIK as a “quick-fix” when compared
to the thorough permanence of PRK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Even up the moment I signed consent
forms on the day of my surgery, I wondered if I should have gone with PRK. The
documents pointed out, again, that I would probably not be able to serve in the
military, be a fire fighter, or work for certain airlines. Had I ever even
remotely considered anything on that list? Heck no! Still somehow, It seemed as
though I was imposing irreversible limits on my future. My better sense told me
that the opposite was, in fact, more accurate. Skiing, swimming, camping, and
even wearing HATS would come with greater ease and convenience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I thought about these new
conveniences as I continued to focus on the blinking green light. Affirmations
from the Doctor that I was “doing great” were particularly helpful. I must
admit that the girl on “Meet the Mormons” did make kickboxing look exciting.
And my neighbors the Jacobs had mentioned wanting to take us on a scuba diving
adventure. PRK would have been the more stable choice for these types of
recreation. But alas, downhill skiing, turbo kick, and snorkeling probably
satisfy any need for EXTREME sports that may lie within me. So LASIK it was. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The smell of my own burning flesh/
tissue took me off guard, and returned my mind to exactly what was happening. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My worried comments such as “I can
see a needle coming at my eye,” and “Are you going to tear out my eyelashes
when you remove that sticker?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were answered
kindly. They were then, however, followed by reminders to “try not to talk.
Believe it or not, it sounds like an earthquake up here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Before pronouncing the procedure
finished, Dr. Zavodni did quite a bit of what looked like painting over my
flap. I estimate about 20 strokes per eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kept telling myself that having the flap straight was ultra important,
and undoubtedly worth enduring. I asked if he had applied a sealant or glaze.
He said the eye would suction back together and seal up on its own quite
rapidly. Go body go!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Prior to going under the first
laser, I had fixed my eyes on a square vent above me. Because others had
claimed they could see immediately after LASIK was complete, I wanted to have a
reference point with which to test the comparative clarity of my vision before
and after.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My plan was thwarted, however, by
the protective shields they taped over my eyes before I sat up. I didn’t
realize they were see through! That knowledge may not have changed things,
though, since I was reveling in the comfortable luxury of having my eyes
continuously closed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I gripped the hands of my surgical
assistant, Brittney, with an intensity that reminded me of the girls camp faith
walk. Because I didn’t realize the eye shields were clear, my mind had me stuck
in a seated position, very hesitant to take a step forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
She told me it would appear as if I
was seeing under water, but I thought she meant behind the shields, not through
them. When she asked me how my vision was, I took a quick peek. The time on the
wall clock was 2:02.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Upon realizing my shields were
clear and I could see, I instantly loosened my grip and broke into roaring
laughter! I was tickled with the fact that I had survived the surgery, which
appeared to have been successful. The Valium enhanced my celebratory mood to
the point that my husband seemed in a hurry to get me and my uninhibited loud
laughter out of that lobby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As we drove around the streets of
SLC taking care of John’s work errands, I kept my eyes mostly closed. His
curiosity forced him to ask me whether I could read certain road signs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Ross, Office Max, Smith’s, Michaels
were all clear from considerably far distance. I almost felt like I had a new
super power as I continued to call out words that we passed. “Upholstery Shop!
Emissions Testing! Breakfast Buffet!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over and over I was showing off to my husband and thanking him profusely
all at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took me to
Arctic Circle for some halibut (fish oil is said to be good for healing) and we
headed back to the post-surgical check-up. Through goopy eyes, I appeared to be
seeing 20/20. Spoiled satisfaction filled my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The nurse commented that it was
time to get me back home. I must admit that earlier, the “exhausted Mom” side
of me had fantasized about the lengthy recovery I’d need had I selected PRK. An
excuse not to drive carpool, hold cub scouts, or answer emails for a good 3
weeks didn’t sound too bad. I had begun a list of audio books to keep me
occupied in my bedroom cave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But reading online about migraines,
night pain, and inability to see with full clarity for up to 3 MONTHS made me
doubt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my ability to endure such a PRK
recovery. It would take a strong trooper, emotionally and physically (the
fireman type) to stick it out strong. Not to mention a team of family who could
run the house for quite some time, minus Mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Several things happened the day of
my LASIK that reminded me how fortunate I should feel for each and every day of
good health and engagement in the life I’ve been given.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1. Patrice inquired as to whether I
may be able to help in the kitchen at her <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>daughters wedding reception. I would have sincerely loved to be there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2. My dear and treasured friend,
Kandace invited us sledding. An afternoon <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>visiting with her would have been as uplifting as anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
3. Lehi City (my EMPLOYER) decided
last-minute to offer movie tickets that <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day
to all part-time employees. 4 of us could have gone to see Star Wars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4. The moment I walked in to my
home, I was able to welcome my 2 youngest <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>onto my lap for some cuddles as I was experiencing no pain and didn’t
feel <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the need to immediately retreat to a tin foil lined room and make the
world <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>go away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I did spend the large majority of
the rest of the evening in bed. The day after was perfect for using up all of
the coupon books my kids had given me for Mother’s Day and Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My eyelids and body were at rest,
but I was well aware of the precious gift of daily life- which I could now more
clearly see. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrd6U8wPxKiw9dCV69UmU4hY4bgmJUMZIXW76SqJVZ7qwxEFjv55jVSr0u_wDADbK7qA9hfh-NTDEOehthMivNIYA8PIEX8CjOC-8VALIQGGu6JyCc4ZXKqjWeuw4JNqh_vTrBYbLtgSb/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrd6U8wPxKiw9dCV69UmU4hY4bgmJUMZIXW76SqJVZ7qwxEFjv55jVSr0u_wDADbK7qA9hfh-NTDEOehthMivNIYA8PIEX8CjOC-8VALIQGGu6JyCc4ZXKqjWeuw4JNqh_vTrBYbLtgSb/s320/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>The irony that this photo turned out somewhat blurry is ridiculous. I am so impressed with medical professionals, young and old, who apply themselves and go through the schooling necessary to make life better for the rest of the human race.</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<u>Epilogue</u>: The only rarities
in my vision have been a few short lasting small patches of rainbow. Once was
on my left shoulder while I looked in the mirror. The other was a circle of
rainbow polk-a dots around my bedroom light fixture about 32 hours after
surgery. I had <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>videoed myself walking
around my house demonstrating how close I needed to get to a computer screen,
the mirror, etc. in order to see pre-LASIK, and without glasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people who have been lucky enough to
have refractive surgery told me that waking up every morning is still awesome,
years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My alarm was positioned so
close to my bed that I could always make out the numbers albeit fuzzy, so it
wasn’t the best gauging tool. But the vinyl phrase above my closet was
something I could not read at the time I made the pre-surgery video. Sure
enough, each time I gaze up from my pillow now I distinctly see the phrase “BE
PREPARED.” For the excitement of a new life, and the chance to hopefully someday,
some way, pay the blessings forward, I will be prepared. <o:p></o:p></div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-83034505947694008492015-12-31T14:18:00.002-08:002015-12-31T14:23:45.872-08:00Published on deseretnews.com :)On Nov. 24th 2015<br />
<br />
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642333/Motherhood-Matters-Turning-cooking-chaos-into-family-fun.html<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); color: #464646; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Turning Cooking Chaos Into Family Fun </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); color: #464646; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
by Julia M.L. Whitehead</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); color: #464646; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
At the beginning of my mothering journey, my attitude was that the children needed to stay out of the kitchen so cooking would be easier for me. The spills and splatters from our everyday meals were plentiful enough.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); color: #464646; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
One holiday season, however, a letter from my mother-in-law, who was approaching her empty-nest years, helped my heart become more willing. The letter was sent to inform us about the schedule of activities she had planned for our visit. She anticipated the buzz of her grandchildren’s presence with happiness and envisioned a wonderful occasion. Making fudge and sugar cookies were two of the activities on her holiday schedule, and little helping hands were welcome in her kitchen to mix, roll, frost and enjoy.</div>
<div class="p402_premium" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); color: #464646; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;">
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Here I was, at home with my little ones, wishing I could just cook a meal alone. And there she was, many years my elder, having realized that cooking alone is simply no fun, and, more importantly, that cooking may not be about the food — or the mess.</div>
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
My mother-in-law’s longing for eager, albeit messy, helpers floated off the pages of her letter and into my heart like the aroma of gingerbread. I decided to take a lesson from someone who had been through the messy child-rearing years and now looks back with wise, but nostalgic, eyes.</div>
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So I cleared the counters. I stationed the sturdy stools. I put the baby to sleep and invited the children into the kitchen. Since that day, I have learned several things that make it easier when pint-size chefs participate:</div>
<ol style="list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="bold-text" style="font-weight: bold;">Expect a mess. </span>Both mental and physical preparation is necessary to avoid feeling like the kids are invading or destroying your space. Think of it as a culinary construction zone. Those adorable aprons are for more than just looks when it comes to the children; wear them. I have my cleaning cloth in hand to wipe up little spills as they happen. While waiting for the food to bake, I involve the kids in cleanup jobs like sucking up flour with the vacuum hose or delivering cardboard boxes to the recycling bin. After all, they know the story of "The Little Red Hen." Also, the time constraints of cooking increase the odds for frustration. I save my multiple-child baking projects for open afternoons. A one-at-a-time weeknight chef’s helper is manageable for many moms.</li>
<li style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="bold-text" style="font-weight: bold;">Stock multiple tools.</span> I am aware that decluttering experts would disagree, but I have two rolling pins. I’ve even pulled out the mini Play-Doh rolling pin when a tiny toddler wants in on the action. I keep extra peelers around so we can all peel potatoes together, and I separate the measuring spoons so little hands can each hold their own tools while eagerly awaiting their predetermined tasks. I also will give a child his or her own cutting board with a butter knife and hard-boiled eggs or ham to dice while I chop lettuce on my cutting board. The kids crack raw eggs or dump other liquids into a separate bowl before adding them into the main mix to prevent accidental ingredient overdose. And I try to empty the dishwasher before these episodes begin to make room for all the extra dishes.</li>
<li style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="bold-text" style="font-weight: bold;">Look for real-life lessons.</span> You are teaching your children more than just culinary skills as you work side by side. You model cleanliness and hygiene as you tie hair back and remind them to repeatedly wash those finger-licked hands. And reading the recipe is the perfect real-world application of literacy. I have even made a copy of the recipe for my school-aged daughter so she could follow right along. Children also feel the value of serving others when it’s time to share their masterpieces with hungry family members or friends.</li>
</ol>
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
When my husband returned from work the evening of my attitude transformation, he found counters covered in flour and fingers deep in dough. However, children’s voices sang along with the Christmas music, and he could see that I was OK with the mess this time around. I smiled at him across the chaos, finally realizing why Grandma missed this mess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDxsvOknIEcjKBoLcA0Sd0mnwF_GC-05lLE9r9b9qVrGGkL-PQbaVZKNe4mXpOzWvDOkBvAbY6GVp3XMM7vpE3NQGpjKWFBfnKqSiEByLs8MlQVNx0MDPaR1QeaE02eVoYsnnWLrgWl2H/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDxsvOknIEcjKBoLcA0Sd0mnwF_GC-05lLE9r9b9qVrGGkL-PQbaVZKNe4mXpOzWvDOkBvAbY6GVp3XMM7vpE3NQGpjKWFBfnKqSiEByLs8MlQVNx0MDPaR1QeaE02eVoYsnnWLrgWl2H/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="bold-text" style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span> What has made cooking with kids a more enjoyable experience for you?</div>
<div style="border: 0px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="bold-text" style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge:</span> Find a kid-friendly recipe, break out the mini-aprons and invite them into the kitchen to cook this week.</div>
<div class="end-note-text" style="border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 4px 0px;">
This article is courtesy of <a href="http://powerofmoms.com/" style="color: #648eac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Power of Moms</a>, an online gathering place for deliberate mothers.</div>
</div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-90800940208656594202015-10-01T13:22:00.001-07:002015-10-01T13:22:13.887-07:00LP 2015<span style="font-size: large;">LP 2015.</span><br />
A packed Mcqueen and captain<br />
Arrive at Bullfrog Bay.<br />
Suits are donned, sunscreen on.<br />
Let's leave this ground, & play!<br />
<br />
Parents break the skis in<br />
With proud and practiced ease.<br />
Crazy Cara begs to tube.<br />
Nate grooves it on his knees.<br />
<br />
Canyoneering calls us<br />
Past the stagnant houseboat masts.<br />
William scales those boulders,<br />
Desi's every bit as fast.<br />
<br />
Marvel fills our muscles<br />
Re-tracing pioneer steps.<br />
We're tickled as the wetland frogs<br />
Remind us "We Got" Wes.<br />
<br />
Skipping rocks and dealing cards<br />
Help us to relax.<br />
Glassy warmth and shooting stars<br />
Keep us coming back.<br />
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<br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-61233391632792177452015-09-15T13:38:00.003-07:002015-09-15T21:06:27.165-07:00Por fin conozco a Anne of Green GablesThis year I learned:<br />
*Anne of Green Gables was on my mother's top ten favorite book list.<br />
*Anne of Green Gables was a book that my dear friend Alisa loved.<br />
I also read references to this book in a Power of Moms article.<br />
I felt like it was time for me to discover what all of the fuss was about. I have never even seen the movies or anything. It was fun reading this book as the mother of a girl about Anne's age when she arrived at Green Gables.<br />
<br />
p.126. "There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting."<br />
<br />
p.138. "There must be a limit to the mistakes one person can make, and when I get to the end of them, then I'll be through with them. That's a very comforting thought."<br />
<br />
p.139. "For Anne to take things calmly would have been to change her nature. All "spirit and fire and dew," as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity...The downfall of some dear hope or plan punged Anne into "deeps of affliction." The fulfillment thereof exalted her to dizzy realms of delight. Marilla had almost begun to despair of ever fashioning this waif of the world into her model little girl of demure manners and prim deportment. Neither would she have believed that she really liked Anne much better as she was. "<br />
<br />
p.219, "Oh, it's delightful to have ambitions. I'm so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them- that's the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting."<br />
<br />
p.224, "For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement."<br />
<br />
p.238. "The beauty of it all thrilled Anne's heart, and she gratefully opened the gates of her soul to it. 'Dear old world, she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.,"<br />
(I felt this way this past summer both while boating at Lake Powell one morning, and while riding bikes down Provo Canyon on Labor Day.)<br />
<br />
<br />
After I typed up these quotes that I connected with during my reading, I found that several of them were on "top ten" lists. I love it when literature can speak to so many about things like emotion, that all humans have in common. That entertaining familiarity is what makes this book a classic.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-10784350474975718442015-05-04T15:01:00.001-07:002015-05-04T15:01:48.947-07:00Things Kids SayDesi wanted a certain hat for hat day- the kind that keeps you cooler because it doesn't cover the top...so she asked me <br />
<br />
"Mom, where's the white <i>geyser</i>?"<br />
<br />
Describing a fierce wind storm, she was in shock that even the "shin guards" were flying off the rooftops.<br />
<br />
<br />
When Nathan was younger, he asked if he could sleep on the "crouton." (futon)<br />
<br />
Love it when they crack me up in the middle of the day out of nowhere.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14753320250936201533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-7451991954860323092015-02-12T12:09:00.002-08:002015-02-12T12:09:38.066-08:00Mahalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i>Dream Vacation Reflection</i><br />
<i> by Julia</i><br />
<br />
Mahalo Hawaii !<br />
You enveloped me in calm.<br />
As waves refreshed my being,<br />
I beheld the swaying palms.<br />
<br />
En route to crisper climate<br />
I hold as souvenirs,<br />
Aloha spirit in my heart,<br />
Along with sand inside my ears!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span id="goog_194122848"></span><span id="goog_194122849"></span><br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-38070536622802761242014-05-29T14:28:00.000-07:002015-02-12T12:13:41.201-08:00Bag It<style>
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<u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Bag It</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Toy Story backpack selected by
my son during our back to school shopping trip the summer before fifth grade
had me tongue tied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Should Mom be the one to tell him
that most kids his age have graduated from wearing cartoon characters, or
should I risk insecure feelings that may come when this “coolness” lesson is
learned through the school of life?, I wondered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The sadness about having to grow up
portrayed so well in the Toy Story movies eventually got to me, and I kept my
mouth shut. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Maybe I was out of touch with the
ten year old world, I thought. Maybe kids are nicer and less concerned with
appearance than I assume. Besides, it’s just a bag. As long as it carries your
items, that’s all that matters. Or is it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My non-fashion conscious train of thought
came to a screeching halt day I got - what I like to call “coached.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Bridal shower gift that did it
was pearly white in color with glowing gold accents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pockets were amply sized, the zippers
obviously very durable. The fabric was thick, and decorated with a repeating
letter C pattern that I had noticed before but clearly not understood. Coach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Squeals rung out the moment the Mom
to be lifted it from it’s perfectly wrapped box. Then the comments came.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Daddy scored some points this time!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Now I can’t stand next to you
carrying this bag from Target.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“You sure didn’t get THAT free at
the hospital.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m so jealous!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I myself
was without words to add. Although I appreciated the quality of the bag and
would have loved to carry it myself, I was not as jealous as I was confused. I
had gone through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">four </i>free hospital
bags, and loved them all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had I been
walking around looking sub par all these years and not even known it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It took
only a few seconds for me to snap out of my adult version of Toy Story backpack
trauma that I had worried my son may face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able to smile at myself and others the rest of the shower, sharing
in the joy brought from such a perfectly personalized gift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then came
time for me to select my next diaper bag. Child #5 was on the way, and I had
heard the freebie bags were offered by the hospital no more. Comments from the
day I was “coached” swum through my head as I debated about how much money to
spend. Tips I’d heard from a beauty seminar about color and design further
clouded my ability to choose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
to look put together and have all my gear organized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also wanted to stay within a budget, and
not give in to materialistic marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
concluding that I had spent way to much time thinking such a trivial thing
over, I decided to take the peer pressure and BAG IT!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I drove
straight to D.I. , rummaged through the rack until I found a bag that would
work, paid my $3.00, and was on my way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When I no
longer need to carry bulky diapers, smashed cheerios, and leaky bottles, I will
spend money on the perfect purse. “ I thought. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now my baby
is turning toddler, my thrift store bag is shot, and it’s time to shop.
Choosing the bag for me should not be that hard, but because I was not born
with fashion as my forte, I may just have to consult, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a coach.<br />
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Picture taken after problem solved. (out with the old, in with the new)</div>
</div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-89231058002695308102013-09-05T13:05:00.001-07:002013-09-05T13:05:28.640-07:00PersonalityIt is a treasured night when I am able to get housework done to a point where I allow myself to relax and even joke around a little with my kids. Here is a conversation from one such night.<br />
<br />
While playing scrabble with my two oldest...<br />
Cara: "No more talking unless you're challenging."<br />
Will: "I'd say you're pretty challenging."<br />
Mom: "Yeah, Cara, I guess you can talk all you want."<br />
Cara: (to Will) "I am going to lick your nose off while you sleep."<br />
<br />
New word learned this scrabble game: vexer. Caroline will try ANYTHING to see if we'll challenge it.<br />
<br />
The girl's got personality.<br />
<br />
<br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-55236278202277234352013-07-06T22:15:00.002-07:002013-07-06T22:15:27.686-07:00Jabberwocky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u>On the way home from church last week:</u><br />
Nathan: "I did three flips off my chair in class today."<br />
Mom: "What? Nathan, that was a bad choice. That's not being reverent. What did your teacher say?"<br />
Nathan: "He didn't say anything. <i>pause</i> He was amazed."<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>On the way in to the Colonial Festival:</u><br />
Mom Reading a sign: "Welcome to the place where you meet history face to face. Are you kids ready to meet history face to face?"<br />
Nathan: <i>confused</i> "Who's that?"<br />
<br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-83006853454328600212013-05-16T14:14:00.003-07:002013-06-04T22:16:32.606-07:00Reframe (to be read AFTER May 15th entry)Time for some Hillary Weeks clicker magic<br />
Move over "natural man."<br />
Here comes my yesterday, in a new light...<br />
<br />
1. I can walk, as opposed to when I was pregnant and had to go clear to the swimming pool to get my heart rate up because walking hurt so bad.<br />
<br />
2. Have clothes to wear. Could always just wear my stretchy workout capris I got last yr. for my bday I guess. Although fluffier now, I am basically healthy except for my perpetual sugar intake. Also, glad weather is warm enough for capris.<br />
<br />
3. Having fam scrip. study. A good habit. In fact, we finished the BOM last month after like four years reading ten verses a day.<br />
<br />
4. Washing machine. Better than washboard.<br />
<br />
*Preschool slide show put together by John was ADORABLE. He put several hours into it, as he has<br />
for the past few years each May. He is my tech guy.<br />
<br />
5. I love my girls' hair. I will style it as long as they will let me. It is beautiful.<br />
<br />
6. Deposits are the best kind of bank business.<br />
<br />
7. Let's not bring up the capris again.<br />
<br />
8. Love my suburban. So glad I have a comfortable, reliable way to transport all of us.<br />
<br />
9. Thankful I don't have to hold down a job, so I can pop in to field trips and do other volunteer work at the kids' school on occasion.<br />
<br />
10. The mana from heaven. That was already a positive.<br />
<br />
11. Glad I can do basic sewing, mending. You know how I feel about mending. (insert link to "A Common Thread" article)<br />
<br />
12. Peggy bought John a nice suit. Nice enough to need dry cleaning. And he looks handsome in it.<br />
<br />
13. Our neighborhood. The best. Friends everywhere.<br />
<br />
14. Mom's Day was more than I deserve. John re-did the front flower beds. He did mucho dishes and other housework on Sunday, made sure I got a nap. At church I got FOUR packs of herseys kisses- one from each of my Primary aged children. They said that was surely reason enough to share with them, since I got about the most caney of any Mom in the whole ward!<br />
<br />
15. I LOVE my baby boy and our cuddle time. Obviously I love nursing (at home, that is) a little too much. Okay, let's also not bring up the lack of bottles again.<br />
<br />
16. My kids are READERS! And we all know about my library love affair. Still my oasis!<br />
<br />
17. Food to eat. Kids getting better at veggies.<br />
<br />
18. Nothing positive about Koalas. Sorry guys, you entered my life on bad timing. Oh, wait- this morning Desi was up at 6:30 so we had a much more positive study session and are done with the reasearch portion of the report. Today we go to the copy shop and finish the visual aids. That is my positive thing about Koalas.<br />
<br />
19. Piano. Neat to hear developing talents. Especially when the song is mastered. Maybe not so much the process, but what an analogy for life THAT is!<br />
<br />
20. Free Papa Murphys Pizza coupon from when John went to Jazz game!<br />
<br />
21. Safe school. Amazing teachers.<br />
<br />
22. I guess I'm thankful for that student who left their hoodie on the hallway floor.<br />
<br />
23. My new tracfone with texting capabilities! And a contact list full of friends and family.<br />
<br />
24. So glad Caroline had the confidence to sign up for the tapping part. She wore my old clogging shoes. Her only exposure has been last year when I held weekly lessons and taught my kids a routine for the family talent show. Pat on the back for that.<br />
<br />
25. The van. Our second family sized vehicle. Usually when John goes on scout camps he takes the time to clean out all of his tools and install a few more seats for us. Very considerate of him to do that extra work. Tonight was just a short ride, and he was stretched thin as was I.<br />
<br />
26. Active scout troop Will's age. You know we are scout CRAZY over here. (I am the new cub committee chairman, to add to it all.)<br />
<br />
27. Always thankful for prayer. Direct help line.<br />
<br />
There. Now I have "counted my many blessings"...surprise me.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-70741516452833988402013-05-15T21:40:00.002-07:002013-05-16T10:55:09.913-07:00Give me....five? (Did I really say that?)One of the hardest " 5 kid" days yet.<br />
Bear with me for this emotional release and mental sort-out through writing.<br />
<br />
6:30 am- wake up so I can take a walk. Nathan comes out wanting bkfst. Wes, who was just fed an<br />
hour earlier, starts to fuss. Get Nate's cereal and haul out of there.<br />
<br />
7:00 am- Shower. Try on capris. Too tight. Not good when my emotional self starts heading downhill<br />
first thing. Just button up and pull it together for morning routine Jul. Come on!<br />
<br />
7:30- Feeding Wes while trying to have Fam. Scrip. Study. Think: "O.K...today's feedings at 10:30, 2:30, and 5:00- so we can make Desi's soccer practice at 5:30 and he'll be fed and happy before Cara's<br />
program."<br />
<br />
8:00- Pre-treat today's laundry<br />
<br />
8:45- Kids on bus after speed hair-dos for Cara's "Utah" program and Desi's field trip. Straighten house<br />
including refreshments from Nathan's preschool commencement we hosted last night.<br />
<br />
9:45- Ponytail and mascara...then off to errands.<br />
<br />
10:00- Bank. Add Wes's social to his account. Deposit some checks. Of course a sucker for Nate!<br />
<br />
10:15- Gordman's to Return John's shorts. Buy some BIGGER for me- which I went to the suburban<br />
and relieved my squished in self with immediately.<br />
<br />
10:30- Feed Wes in suburban so we could conquer one more store<br />
<br />
11:00- Target to return rug and too big baby onesies. And to get MORE binkies since Wes apparently<br />
prefers silicone over laytex. Also pick up Nate shirt and Will pants for Sat.'s fam. picture. Potty <br />
break here. Starving! Pick up protein bars to eat at Desi's school field trip/ picnic. Ran out of time<br />
to finish the list which included 2 bags of skittles to give my Dad's machines at upcoming b-day<br />
parties.<br />
<br />
12:00- Barely make it to Des's field trip at the park to say Hi and take her requested water bottle. (side<br />
note- Also find 2 treasures while picking up after the 2nd graders. unopened pack of apples and<br />
unopened pack of carrot sticks. Nathan's lunch! Score! -He didn't happen to like the mocha<br />
flavored Kashi bars I selected at Target. If these contain caffeine, please forgive me. Heaven<br />
knows, however, today would be a nice day for some. I think they are caffeine free, but either<br />
way,good news is I now know my kids won't be foraging them due to the mature flavor-. So I<br />
discreetly slide the fruit and veggie loot into Wes's carseat. I call it the day's mana.<br />
<br />
12:30- Broadbents for blue yarn- hems for Will's cut-off shorts.<br />
<br />
1:00- Dry cleaners- drop off John's pants so they are ready for Sun.<br />
<br />
1:20-Walk Nate to friend's house.<br />
1:30- Laundry in, water new bushes in yard. LOVE this Mom's Day gift from my hard workin hubbie.<br />
1:45- Research Luau games for Will's upcoming graduation class party.<br />
2:30- Feed Wes, Read a little from Ensign, then doze off for a cat nap. Change him. <br />
Finish arranging family pic outfits<br />
3:00- Check email- Caroline's hold is in at library, Michael Vey part 2.<br />
Need to register Desi and Nate for soccer.<br />
3:20- Walk to pick up Nate<br />
3:30- Rotate Laundry<br />
3:35- Bath for Wes.<br />
3:45- KIDS HOME!!!!!!! Wait!!!! I wasn't ready yet!!! I was going to have the laundry folded, and the<br />
celery cut for Hawaiian haystacks, and the rooms inspected so I'd know what they had to get <br />
done before snack... but alas, ready or not. Try to act happy and nurturing here.<br />
<br />
3:50- Desi breaks out supplies for "Koala" oral report poster. I guess we're doing this now. Wes<br />
screaming. Me yelling directives at Des for how to spell words and what goes where. Continually<br />
pulling my newest phrase, "I don't have 5 brains. You have to think for yourself" on the rest of<br />
the kids who have questions like "Are my chores done yet?" "What time does piano start?" <br />
"What fruit or veggie can I eat before I make Ramen..."<br />
<br />
4:15- Cara off to piano. Didn't get time for snack. Frustration on all parts.<br />
4:45- Still "Koala"ing. Dryer buzzes. Unload the most wrinkle prone items.<br />
<br />
5:00- Realize Hawaiian Haystacks are not happening. Tell boys to warm up last night's pizza leftovers.<br />
Tell Des to get dressed for soccer and Cara to brush teeth so she can smile pretty on stage.<br />
**** REALIZE I DON'T HAVE TIME TO FEED WES BEFORE WE GO. Hope to feed him between 5:35 and 6:00 while Will and Nate save our seats.<br />
<br />
5:45- At Sego Lily. Good seats. Wes still asleep. Will he last another 45 min??? Debate. Train Will on<br />
both cameras just in case.<br />
<br />
6:00- John drops Des off at program and heads to combined YM/YW that he couldn't get out of.<br />
<br />
6:10- Wes fussing. I hand off camera and place him in front pack.<br />
6:15- New LAYTEX binkie not cutting it. ALL OUT SCREAM. I head to back of gymnasium and<br />
into restroom. This is where I get creative. Out of complete and total desperation. I try the trick a<br />
sister in my ward uses when the nursing lounge chairs are all full. Loosen up the front pack straps<br />
so his mouth is more even with what he wants, and stick it on in.<br />
<br />
This is where it gets shamefully embarrassing. Is this worse than the hobo scrounging at Wine's park earlier? You be the judge.<br />
<br />
I walk out into the hall with my arm over Wes's head but realize this probably isn't enough coverage. I spot a forgotten hoodie on the hallway floor. That'll have to do. I re-enter the crowd filled gymnasium JUST in time to see that Caroline's tapping group is beginning their feature number about the Railroad.<br />
Do I have time to snap a still shot while Will films. Probably not of this number. Darn.<br />
<br />
Make my way back to where my kids are sitting (still nursing under the lost and found hoodie) and mouth to Will that I need my nursing shield. He rummages around and locates it. I skillfully suit up, and we are in business for about 2 more songs. At which time I realize I may not be relaxed enough to get much of a letdown. I think he is just getting what was already there.<br />
<br />
WHY HAVEN'T WE BEEN MORE DILIGENT WITH THIS PUMPING/ BOTTLE FEEDING THING??? Well, at this point, I don't know that a bottle would have been much more convenient. Maybe so. Our family only has ourselves to blame for our kids' lack of bottle sucking ability. But we haven't totally given up. In fact, it was in my bedtime prayer just tonight. (hint, hint, kids... help me out here)<br />
<br />
6:40- I'm back out in the hall trying to switch sides and having no success. he is beyond consolation in this position. The last song finishes and there applause. I start checking classroom doors to find a private chair, and end up in the faculty room on the couch. I dial my neighbor, who we sat by- to ask her to let my kids know where to come, but she doesn't answer. I burp Wes as I walk back to the gym to get them and we load our carseat, camera, diaper bag, etc. back to the faculty lounge- hoping to see or have to talk to NO ONE. Kids being extra helpful as they can sense tension in the air. They get all worried about being in that room, and noone can relax, not even Wes to eat. I tell Cara good job, and we march on out of there.<br />
<br />
I recently read in a book by Emily Watts called "I Hate it when Exercise is the Answer" that we should open up the pop bottle lid atop ourselves and let out a little fizz every once in a while when we feel it building so that we don't end up SPRAYING our stresses out all at once on unlucky bystanders. I think I need some help with this. I exercised and stretched this morn. I had a moment for spiritual study. I even asked Cara to pray on our way to the Utah program that Mom could calm down and Cara could do her best. I bought myself new pants today-which was actually NOT what I call fun- I took time to clip my nails and pluck some eyebrow hairs. But still my fizz was fizzin'.<br />
<br />
We got the parking lot and found that the Suburban had been switched out for the van because John had to take youth to the activity. Here it came. The teary eyes that had begun moments earlier turned to sobs and, mind you, DROOLS as I pointed to spots where my kids could sit atop drywall buckets and tool boxes. It was ugly. Will and Cara-extremely quiet and helpful now- popped up a seat so I could buckle Wes, and we headed home.<br />
<br />
Before exiting the van, I turned to my kids and as composed as possible and told them the only clear thought I could conjecture at the moment. "It's not what happens to us, but what we do with what happens to us that matters." How's that for a memorable driveway speech? I know full well that it is up to me to model emotional resilience. I told them I was sorry for my weakness and my bad planning and my loss of control, but that I was ready to go in and finish out the evening as peacefully as possible. I also enlisted their help by informing them that I can't run the house alone (surprise-surprise) , hence, there would be no free time tonight unless all the socks were matched and put away, etc. etc.<br />
<br />
7:18- Realize Will is supposed to be at scouts right now. Run him to church while others do dishes...<br />
7:30- Sorry Koalas, but you are not very cute to me about now.<br />
8:00- Feed Wes. He didn't get quite full before, and we usually do cluster feeding in the evenings.<br />
Listen to Will recite poem he needs to memorize for tomorrow.<br />
8:40- Jammies on kids. Graham crackers and milk.<br />
<br />
We kneel in prayer and I ask Father to help me be more calm and focus on the positive. For peace in our home amidst the rush. Our continual prayer. I mention each child by name and ask for help with their specifics. Thankful for them.<br />
<br />
All 5 He gave me.<br />
<br />
P.S. 11:30- Foot rub from John after he read this post. :)<br />
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<br />Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-58236173841293145892013-04-26T21:31:00.001-07:002013-04-26T21:31:35.942-07:00Ours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AWXMoV7oLdqxKfiV6W3uK-6-6eXHWGJ_lSSNuylrbwUfoB_TBWumnpBERTr_NdXl3uPaaV6cD0YFCIcQW86OqBb9nFBY8cBt5LXOhEzQ4vITz9Phjha8R4fxSjTcwdnqwKijs13Fzg4/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AWXMoV7oLdqxKfiV6W3uK-6-6eXHWGJ_lSSNuylrbwUfoB_TBWumnpBERTr_NdXl3uPaaV6cD0YFCIcQW86OqBb9nFBY8cBt5LXOhEzQ4vITz9Phjha8R4fxSjTcwdnqwKijs13Fzg4/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our responsibility, our reason, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our beauty, and messiness, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our joy, our frustration, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our partners, our projects, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our helpers, and hold-ups, </div>
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our laughs and our cries. </div>
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Our commitment</div>
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has grown </div>
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and again solidified.</div>
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<br /></div>
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These five are OURS.</div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-58142556626605366992013-04-26T21:21:00.001-07:002013-04-26T21:36:08.509-07:00More new family membersYes, unbeknownst to Matt, Jason, Whitney and Malory- they have taken their place in the Whitehead family photo album. They are also a part of most every dinner conversation, and breakfast for that matter. We stumbled upon "Studio C" in a BYU alumni magazine article. We recognized Whitney from her rendition of ""Baby Ride Your Firebolt," so when we saw her on Studio C, there was an instant connection for all the Harry Potter maniacs here in this house.<br />
<br />
So much so, that - freakin' awesome parents that we are- we drove our kids down to Provo to wait in a two hour line for a live filming that began at 9:30 pm on a school night...<br />
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Our family has not watched a show together regularly since David A. graced American Idol. ("We love you Elder Archuletta!!) But now, every Monday night at 8:00, our new -Studio C cast -family members join us for the "activity" portion of FHE.<br />
<br />
Last week we braved the winds for a REAL soccer game with our pals the Nebekers on Monday night. Would you believe that the next morning AT SEVEN A.M. ALL my children were on the couch ready to catch the missed episode. INCLUDING the child who, due to recent events- presented his Mother with THIS comic ...<br />
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Studio C's motto is "Funny, even with Mom." Hey, if it gets him out of bed, gives him a reward for time hard spent on homework, and gives us a relaxed weekday laugh together, I think it's a good thing.</div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-13345952537194321882013-04-26T20:24:00.000-07:002013-04-26T22:25:39.740-07:00Life of 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Several people have asked me what life is like with 5. I would post pics of the laundry room and kitchen sink, but I don't want to scare anyone. Here is a peek at the goings on. </div>
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Science Fair was actually the day before I delivered. I remember on the way to Hobby Lobby to get paper for this display board prior to the fair, I swung a left over to Dollar Cuts to get William buzzed because the thought of standing to do it made me want to fall over into a curled up position on a jumbo sized, heated bean bag.<br />
<br />
During the fair, I could be found on the stage steps taking a breather because going down one aisle of projects pretty much did me in. But I was very happy with how his turned out, and grateful for the families who tracked their time in different rooms to help him out.<br />
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Gymnastics! Thankfully Grandma Peggy was in town this Friday evening to watch Wes while I took my girls to open gym at Jump Up. They've since transferred back to the Legacy Center and have their exhibition meet in May. Now during their drop off and pick up times, William is thankfully able to stay at home with his brothers. Needless to say I don't get to stay and watch much any more. Good thing we have a swing set stripped of swings which serves as a bar, a guest futon pad that serves as a hand-spring landing mat, and a 2 x 4 wrapped in a sheet to use as a makeshift beam in our basement.<br />
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Here Caroline is on stage "opening the blinds" to see if the scary witch in her story is there. When she made it to the school level in the storytelling competition, I was at a loss for how I'd go support her. I had already had to reschedule parent teacher conferences for a time when my Mom would be in town since I wasn't ready to take Wesley to a germ filled school. (He was like 2 1/2 weeks at the time). Then thankfully sweet Aunt Marilyn came to my mind. With great effort Nate and I made it out of the house and over to Sego Lily. I had to call on the way to ask them to switch her to the end of the assembly so I'd not miss her after all that pre-arranging. As you may have heard, she was dynamite!<br />
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The day NATHAN reminded me about the upcoming Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt was a fulfilling mothering moment for me. I had started the hunt 6 or so years earlier (before he was born) for preschoolers in our neighborhood due to the unface-able crowds at other Lehi hunts. #Utah County is FULL of happy families!! So I continued the tradition this year of organizing it. For Nate :) He has had some boring afternoons since the baby came, but handles it in stride. The book time on my lap has sadly been mostly replaced by nursing, but Nathan and I still hit story time weekly and hang out as the pals we have become whenever we can. We are back to tending a friend on Wednesdays and at Sego Lily for our take-home library post each Friday. It seems we're daily running errands all around the town besides, with our little portable napper just along for the ride.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-87448661470308352772013-04-26T19:54:00.001-07:002013-04-26T21:02:42.364-07:00Wes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photos by the amazing Sarah Whitehead Sidwell. Proud Aunt.</div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-6233767745644039932013-01-06T20:49:00.002-08:002013-01-06T20:49:45.399-08:00And the days were accomplishedI don't know whether or not anyone noticed, but the pic on our family Christmas letter was actually taken in 2011, last Christmas. I wanted to get the 2012 cards done early, so I used what we had. I figured most of us hadn't changed too much. <br />
Oh, except for that BIG ROUND BELLY on Mom!!! Here we are in actual Dec. 2012.<br />
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I haven't ever been THIS pregnant during the holidays. And I don't think any of my pregnancies have felt THIS heavy. This season I took particular notice of Mary's condition as she rode on a donkey and prepared to deliver the Savior on a bed of hay in a cave. The phrase "and the days were accomplished" meant to me this year that-yes, every single day of this third trimester is an accomplishment! And I have so many comforts to help get me through. I now feel more respect and compassion for Mary than ever before. </div>
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I listened for the first time to the meaning behind Amy Grant's song "Breath of Heaven" as it was played for me during R.S. behind the Nativity video. She is calling on a higher power to help her labor through the delivery. My favorite phrases are "Breath of heaven, hold me together. Be forever near me..." and in the bridge when she pleads "help me be strong."</div>
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Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-53964803512028735772013-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:002013-01-06T19:29:00.803-08:00Christmas Letter twenty TWELVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">(Think: ”Twelve Days of
Christmas” </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"> )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Webdings; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;">¯<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;">¯<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;">¯<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;">¯<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Webdings;">¯</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">In
the first month of 2012 the Whitehead family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally saw the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Disney</st1:placename></st1:place>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">In
February 2012 the Whitehead family</span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Played Junior Jazz</span> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">and</span>…<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">á</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">In
March of 2012 the Whitehead family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biked and Read</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">For Caroline’s
birthday was mini golfing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Brick Oven meal</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">In May we decided
that we are gonna be <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A FIVE KID FA-MI-LY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">In
June Nathan James had his birthday party</span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob the Builder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">July,
baseball tourneys and tent camping</span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rope swing and swimming</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Backpacked
the Uintas, <st1:place w:st="on">Lake</st1:place> “Grandaddy” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight miles hiking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Throughout
2012 the Whitehead family</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw</span> <span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;">Desirée Dancing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">This
year William “rocked” on the kneeboard and skis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad’s traditions keeping<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We
hope 2012 for our friends and family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Has</span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY";"> Been to your </span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;">liking</span><span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We rejoice, and
are grateful for all our blessings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CHRISTY"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas is coming!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-40635302466913170442012-09-28T22:05:00.002-07:002012-09-28T22:05:24.057-07:00C'Come on Swing ItEven with all the attractions around here in the heart of northern Utah County, one of the favorite past times this summer was a good ol' fashioned ROPE SWING!<br />
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Free of charge and a five minute walk away. <br />
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As the summer progressed, the tricks got trickier. William and Caroline both hung upside down, and learned to hoist themselves up to standing position on top of the stick. My camera didn't make it to all our visits. (I had to carry my camp chair and saltines). Nathan too eventually hung and swung, which I don't yet have on camera- but I'm proud of him for how comfortable he's become around WATER!<br />
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At Classic Fun Center in July. Ah, to feel this exuberance about the every day!Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-27728781418024531812012-09-28T20:52:00.005-07:002012-09-28T22:08:48.462-07:00Summer of all SummersA screamin' deal on the "Pass of All Passes" , plus birthdays and other activities/ celebrations kept our summer action packed! (Not pictured: Plenty of lawn mowing, weed pulling, and house cleaning to make the fun times that much more appreciated :)<br />
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Caroline, the lefty in position. She and Will both played in (HOT) state tournaments this summer.<br />
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Nate's 4 yr old "Bob the Builder" Party!<br />
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Pedicures for Desi's bday in July. Caroline was in Price with Gma L.<br />
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And a trip to Classic Fun Center, her outing choice.<br />
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Arrow of Light. Moving out of Cubs ! :(<br />
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LAGOON! What fun is ! (for kids, that is)<br />
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A major accomplishment for our whole family (including the baby in Mommy's tummy), total of 8 miles hiked in the Uintahs with all our gear on our backs.<br />
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Tracy Aviary/ Liberty Park.<br />
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"The Little Mermaid" with our on-stage star, Jetsom the eel.<br />
Other plays we have attended this season include: Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Arsnic and Old Lace, & Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. John used the theatre as his "not enough days off for Lake Powell this year" therapy. <br />
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Chuck E. Cheese, William's B-day outing. Our kids really get into ski ball, just like I did when I was little (still do).<br />
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Nathan loved boating & was more brave than ever this year. </div>
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We sure have gotten used to the "go, go, go." A four year gap between Nathan and this next little one made us momentarily oh so mobile! </div>
Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-89441242093003447442012-09-28T20:20:00.003-07:002012-09-28T20:21:13.446-07:00Spring Sundays 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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General Conference and Easter , <br />
and spiffed-up kids, <br />
make Spring Sundays SO beautiful!!Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882761927283713099.post-52030118885976171902012-06-29T22:52:00.001-07:002012-06-29T22:52:27.669-07:00Nature's Playground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We had a beautiful camping trip June 1st -2nd in upper Huntington Canyon. My kids found this root to climb on near Mammoth Lake. Sad and worrisome to know that now some of the surrounding area has recently been burned by wildfire.Jewelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06491338794499781714noreply@blogger.com2