We arrived at the "express checkout" at nearly the same time. I let her go ahead since she seemed to have fewer items than I. She also had a little boy in her cart, and I, somehow, had made it to WalMart all alone.
She had only 5 or 6 items. Mostly essentials, like cheese. But I couldn't help but notice the little plastic box with Buzz Lightyear undies in it. I didn't think too much of it, but I noticed it. I was thinking about my kids at home, hoping that my phone didn't die before I got there. I was hoping that my purchase was going to make it within the budget.
You see, while I was looking for some bedspreads for my boys, I happened upon THE PERFECT bedspread for our guest bed. It is in Simon's room, and I am in the process of transforming his room from dinosaurs to more of a jungle theme. He's got the vintage bright green shag carpet, the giant Ikea leaf and jungle vines, and we just got some awesome dark brown curtains to go with it. So when I saw this green and brown jungle-ish looking bedspread, I just had to get it! Thankfully, I found some bedding for the boys as well.
Then I noticed the little boy. He was probably 3. He had a cowlick in front that made his hair stick up all over. He was wearing brown plaid shorts and a purple T-shirt with a little brown bear on it. He was hiding his eyes behind his hands. He moved his hands away and smiled at me. I smiled back. He did it again and giggled. He tried to get his mom's attention to tell her about it. She was busy with the purchase. I saw her hand the box of undies back to the clerk. "I guess I can't get these today. I'm so sorry."
"No problem", said the clerk.
It IS kind of embarrassing. I know I've had to do it many times. You think--you hope you'll have enough money to cover what's in the cart, but as you watch the items total up you realize something will have to go back on the shelf. It is always the luxury item--not the cheese, but the item you were actually most excited about getting.
But when the little boy realized what was going on, his little hand reached out toward the package.
"We'll get those another time", said mom.
He didn't scream or yell or fuss, but his little hands went back to cover his eyes...And he wept.
My heart broke, and I could tell that his mom's did as well. She finished her purchase and pushed her cart forward a little way. Then she stopped for a moment to comfort her son while the clerk started ringing up my comforter sets.
I almost let myself get distracted with helping the clerk find the barcodes on my products. I almost let myself think, "Aw, too bad." and go on with my own purchase. But suddenly, I asked the clerk, "How much were those underpants?" She didn't know. I said, "Hurry, ring them up for me." She hurried. Now we were in on it together. I rushed up and handed the package to the teary little fella. His mom looked up, breathless. "You didn't--Oh, Thank you!"
"That's okay, I know how important Buzz Lightyear is."
And she pushed her happy little guy out of the store.
I completed my purchase and headed to my car. You might say I had a spring in my step. I definitely had a twinkle in my eye. And joy in my heart.
Being able to give is such a gift!
I might have gone a teeny weeny bit over my budget. I might be returning one of my items to the store (thankfully not that beauty of a bedspread).
But it was the happiest $4.50 I think I have ever spent.
...
We've Given Up the Easy Life for the Good Life
Monday, April 26, 2010
Funny Home Evening
We have one of those stereotypical Family Home Evening Charts. You know, the ones with the vinyl lettering. The ones everyone made for an Enrichment activity 3 or 4 years ago. We use it every week, and every week the kids argue about who gets to change the names to the next assignment. It is a great idea. I like things that keep things orderly.
But sometimes I am SO tired of doing the Family Home Evening chart, especially after a busy day and playgroup and dinner. But the kids like the chart, so we ALWAYS do the chart.
Well, this week was going to be different. We actually planned on Sunday during family council that we would watch a movie for FHE. I was so relieved! Hooray for a Change!
So, after dinner, I made chocolate chip cookies.(We won't even talk about the tantrum I threw last night when I was in the process of making them and discovered we had no chocolate chips.) While they were baking, we all went out in the back yard. Dallin taught us a fun new game called SPUD. It is kind of like the game POISON, only take out the basketball part. It was a beautiful day and lots of fun.
We ate our cookies and all headed down to watch Curious George 2. I was excited to watch this movie because I absolutely loved the first one.
What a disappointment. Not only was it PAINFUL to have to sit and watch that movie and pretend I liked it so my kids wouldn't feel bad, but Simon and Sarajoy were tired and cranky and both wanting to sit on my lap that was already occupied by Brandon. Fun times. I took a break from the movie and put the babies to bed and suffered through the rest of the show. Note to me: NEVER try to watch a movie with the whole family. It never works.
So after the movie, I was thinking we'd have a quick gospel discussion and get everyone to bed and get the whole thing over with.
Things were going great until we started talking about Jacob and Esau...Again. We talk about them a lot because like so many of the Old Testament stories, it is weird. #1: Pottage vs. birthright....no brainer. #2: Mom conspires with the kids to trick Dad who also happens to be one of the greatest prophets of all time. #3: They use lamb's wool to make Jacob's arms feel like Esau's. I've known some hairy people in my life, but LAMB'S WOOL? Come on.
So of course we decide to try the old switcheroo on Dallin. I actually happen to have some fake wool in my fabric cupboard. I line up the kids, and he has to guess who it is by touch. It would have been harder if the kids hadn't kept laughing. Then I wanted a turn, of course. Then we took turns doing feet, hands, noses. Lots of laughs.
Then Dallin had an idea.We've done the head puppet thing before, but it has been a few years. So while the kids were getting ready for bed, we got him all set up. I found a cowboy hat that would fit on his chin, so we decided to call him Russel M. Dawgies.
Other than frightening our baby half to death, it was a big hit. So glad we could end the night on giggles.
But sometimes I am SO tired of doing the Family Home Evening chart, especially after a busy day and playgroup and dinner. But the kids like the chart, so we ALWAYS do the chart.
Well, this week was going to be different. We actually planned on Sunday during family council that we would watch a movie for FHE. I was so relieved! Hooray for a Change!
So, after dinner, I made chocolate chip cookies.(We won't even talk about the tantrum I threw last night when I was in the process of making them and discovered we had no chocolate chips.) While they were baking, we all went out in the back yard. Dallin taught us a fun new game called SPUD. It is kind of like the game POISON, only take out the basketball part. It was a beautiful day and lots of fun.
We ate our cookies and all headed down to watch Curious George 2. I was excited to watch this movie because I absolutely loved the first one.
What a disappointment. Not only was it PAINFUL to have to sit and watch that movie and pretend I liked it so my kids wouldn't feel bad, but Simon and Sarajoy were tired and cranky and both wanting to sit on my lap that was already occupied by Brandon. Fun times. I took a break from the movie and put the babies to bed and suffered through the rest of the show. Note to me: NEVER try to watch a movie with the whole family. It never works.
So after the movie, I was thinking we'd have a quick gospel discussion and get everyone to bed and get the whole thing over with.
Things were going great until we started talking about Jacob and Esau...Again. We talk about them a lot because like so many of the Old Testament stories, it is weird. #1: Pottage vs. birthright....no brainer. #2: Mom conspires with the kids to trick Dad who also happens to be one of the greatest prophets of all time. #3: They use lamb's wool to make Jacob's arms feel like Esau's. I've known some hairy people in my life, but LAMB'S WOOL? Come on.
So of course we decide to try the old switcheroo on Dallin. I actually happen to have some fake wool in my fabric cupboard. I line up the kids, and he has to guess who it is by touch. It would have been harder if the kids hadn't kept laughing. Then I wanted a turn, of course. Then we took turns doing feet, hands, noses. Lots of laughs.
Then Dallin had an idea.We've done the head puppet thing before, but it has been a few years. So while the kids were getting ready for bed, we got him all set up. I found a cowboy hat that would fit on his chin, so we decided to call him Russel M. Dawgies.
Other than frightening our baby half to death, it was a big hit. So glad we could end the night on giggles.
Sibling Revelry
Two boys, then two girls.
Having the first four children come in pairs has been wonderful. What could be better than a built in best friend?
They definitely have their moments of contention and irritation, but for the most part they get along really well. It is one of the most fulfilling things as a parent when I see my children getting along well.
We really thought we were going to continue the pattern. We thought we were going to get a buddy for Simon. We were really surprised to find out we were having a little girl. So now our two children who are the closest in age are not the same gender. I'm sure they will still be friends, but it is a new experience for us.
When Sarajoy was born, Simon was only 20 months old. He thought she was cute and held her sometimes, but for the most part he ignored her. Or tolerated her presence in our family.
The first time I remember him really interacting with her was last September when we were doing the Visit Salt Lake thing. He was standing up in the back seat of his stroller, leaning into her carseat which was latched into the front of the stroller. He was excited to see that she was awake, and he was talking to her in a sweet voice.
Another time happened a couple of months ago. I was pushing the stroller down to the school to pick up Daisy from preschool. It was sunny, but cold and windy. We passed by a house where a dog started barking. Simon said, "Dog, Babe." A few minutes later, a big gust of wind hit us. "Watch out, Babe! Blowing!".
Then, the other day, I was not feeling well. The older kids had one by one gone off to play with friends, so I was left with no babysitter. I decided to come down to the computer and catch up on a few things.
How silly of me to think I was left with no babysitter. Simon was here!
"Medicine, Babe"
"Open, Babe."
And, she'd actually turn her head each time and take the pretend medicine that he was getting from a toy cup.
He already wants to take care of his little sis. I hope he always does.
...
Having the first four children come in pairs has been wonderful. What could be better than a built in best friend?
They definitely have their moments of contention and irritation, but for the most part they get along really well. It is one of the most fulfilling things as a parent when I see my children getting along well.
We really thought we were going to continue the pattern. We thought we were going to get a buddy for Simon. We were really surprised to find out we were having a little girl. So now our two children who are the closest in age are not the same gender. I'm sure they will still be friends, but it is a new experience for us.
When Sarajoy was born, Simon was only 20 months old. He thought she was cute and held her sometimes, but for the most part he ignored her. Or tolerated her presence in our family.
The first time I remember him really interacting with her was last September when we were doing the Visit Salt Lake thing. He was standing up in the back seat of his stroller, leaning into her carseat which was latched into the front of the stroller. He was excited to see that she was awake, and he was talking to her in a sweet voice.
Another time happened a couple of months ago. I was pushing the stroller down to the school to pick up Daisy from preschool. It was sunny, but cold and windy. We passed by a house where a dog started barking. Simon said, "Dog, Babe." A few minutes later, a big gust of wind hit us. "Watch out, Babe! Blowing!".
Then, the other day, I was not feeling well. The older kids had one by one gone off to play with friends, so I was left with no babysitter. I decided to come down to the computer and catch up on a few things.
How silly of me to think I was left with no babysitter. Simon was here!
He had even gotten them both a snack! What a helper!
The conversation: "Open, Babe"
"Medicine, Babe"
"Open, Babe."
And, she'd actually turn her head each time and take the pretend medicine that he was getting from a toy cup.
He already wants to take care of his little sis. I hope he always does.
...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Real Deal
She was sitting in the living room of her first home, a little square house with cream colored siding and red bricks around the bottom. There were awnings over the windows, just like many of the other 1940's houses near the university. This house had once been the home of a music teacher--the wrought iron lyre on the porch and the two separate front entrances attested to that. Before her, dozens of perfect squares of pale green gingham were being folded and ironed into triangles. It was her first time sewing picots, and these would edge the quilt that she was making for her baby's crib. Her baby. Her first very own little boy would arrive in just a few weeks. The cool breeze of a perfect spring day attracted her gaze toward the open door. There was a large tree in the front yard, out on the park strip where the grass was looking especially green.
The memory of her recent vocal performance for the university hovered about her. She had wanted that solo so badly, perhaps because she felt her little one nudging aside any dreams of a vocal career. Mostly she wanted it because it was a beautiful piece of a well-known and powerful work of music, and it would be performed with the orchestra. The real deal. When her daddy saw her up on that stage, with the orchestra and chorus behind her, with motherhood before her, he could not keep the video camera still for the emotion he felt. She was in the very spring of her life, right at the edge of summer.
She was only 9 months into her experiment. It didn't even seem like an experiment to her. She was full of hope and confidence. She had prepared her whole life for this. Of course she would succeed.
Another day, she walked out of the grocery store into the fragrant breeze of a blossomy April evening. Before her was a procession led by her husband who was holding a wiggly, chubby, 9 month old girl. A store clerk followed him, pushing one cart piled with food. The next cart was full as well, though smaller. Just the right size for the 7 year old brunette who was proudly pushing it. The 10 year old brother was chatting happily as he walked beside her. He was empty handed, but mindful of the box of donuts lurking in one of those carts. A 5 year old beauty, with the looks of her father, skipped merrily along. Sometimes she still liked to ride in the cart, while at other times she chose to run with the big kids. Yet another full cart of food was occupied by a little golden boy, age 2, sharing all of the wisdom held under his curls with his 11 year old brother whom he adored. The 11 year old, on the verge of young manhood, was adoring in return as he pushed the cart toward the family van. The mother followed behind, thinking about spring, and becoming aware of her experiment.
Here she was, 12 years later, gathering safely in hundreds of pounds of food for her family, now of eight. She thought about the happy, confident maiden folding picots for a quilt. She thought about the many times that her confidence had been shaken. She understood what an experiment the past 12 years had been. Though she had jumped into family life willingly, and with her eyes as open as they could be at 19, she'd had no idea what it was going to be like. There had been so many times that she had felt a failure--that she'd felt disillusioned by her own expectations. This was NOT how she had imagined it would be. She remembered the dark times of recent days, and the many, many worries she had struggled with over the years. They seemed to fade behind the bright scene before her. She realized that for today, the hard work and struggle and planning and praying--the falling down and getting back up--were paying off. Here before her was a picture that had a hint of success in it. Could this possibly be an image from the dreams of that headstrong young woman? No. Though she had imagined many scenes as pretty, she would never have known that it could be like this. So deep, so good, so glad. The real deal.
The memory of her recent vocal performance for the university hovered about her. She had wanted that solo so badly, perhaps because she felt her little one nudging aside any dreams of a vocal career. Mostly she wanted it because it was a beautiful piece of a well-known and powerful work of music, and it would be performed with the orchestra. The real deal. When her daddy saw her up on that stage, with the orchestra and chorus behind her, with motherhood before her, he could not keep the video camera still for the emotion he felt. She was in the very spring of her life, right at the edge of summer.
She was only 9 months into her experiment. It didn't even seem like an experiment to her. She was full of hope and confidence. She had prepared her whole life for this. Of course she would succeed.
Another day, she walked out of the grocery store into the fragrant breeze of a blossomy April evening. Before her was a procession led by her husband who was holding a wiggly, chubby, 9 month old girl. A store clerk followed him, pushing one cart piled with food. The next cart was full as well, though smaller. Just the right size for the 7 year old brunette who was proudly pushing it. The 10 year old brother was chatting happily as he walked beside her. He was empty handed, but mindful of the box of donuts lurking in one of those carts. A 5 year old beauty, with the looks of her father, skipped merrily along. Sometimes she still liked to ride in the cart, while at other times she chose to run with the big kids. Yet another full cart of food was occupied by a little golden boy, age 2, sharing all of the wisdom held under his curls with his 11 year old brother whom he adored. The 11 year old, on the verge of young manhood, was adoring in return as he pushed the cart toward the family van. The mother followed behind, thinking about spring, and becoming aware of her experiment.
Here she was, 12 years later, gathering safely in hundreds of pounds of food for her family, now of eight. She thought about the happy, confident maiden folding picots for a quilt. She thought about the many times that her confidence had been shaken. She understood what an experiment the past 12 years had been. Though she had jumped into family life willingly, and with her eyes as open as they could be at 19, she'd had no idea what it was going to be like. There had been so many times that she had felt a failure--that she'd felt disillusioned by her own expectations. This was NOT how she had imagined it would be. She remembered the dark times of recent days, and the many, many worries she had struggled with over the years. They seemed to fade behind the bright scene before her. She realized that for today, the hard work and struggle and planning and praying--the falling down and getting back up--were paying off. Here before her was a picture that had a hint of success in it. Could this possibly be an image from the dreams of that headstrong young woman? No. Though she had imagined many scenes as pretty, she would never have known that it could be like this. So deep, so good, so glad. The real deal.
Be My Valentine
February 12, 2010
We hosted a Valentine Party for some of our home school friends. We read stories, played games, and had a Valentine Box Contest. Everyone won a prize. It was lots of fun. We had over 20 participants! Here are the boxes our kids made:
Brandon spruced up his Paper Mache raccoon from last year:
Daisy and I made flowers with heart shaped petals for her box:
Nathan made a cool box using Legos!
Nobody wufs dogs like Ruby:
Simon liked his train box, but not as much as the CANDY!
We hosted a Valentine Party for some of our home school friends. We read stories, played games, and had a Valentine Box Contest. Everyone won a prize. It was lots of fun. We had over 20 participants! Here are the boxes our kids made:
Brandon spruced up his Paper Mache raccoon from last year:
Daisy and I made flowers with heart shaped petals for her box:
Nathan made a cool box using Legos!
Nobody wufs dogs like Ruby:
Simon liked his train box, but not as much as the CANDY!
Fablehaven Launch Party
March 23, 2010
Nathan has really enjoyed the Fablehaven series. When he read in the newspaper about the launch party for the new book, he REALLY wanted to go. I knew taking the whole family to such an event would be a disaster, so we decided that Dallin would take him. I bought him a book that morning so he would be able to have it signed. They left here at about 5pm. The party was at Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake. They did a fun show and then divided people into groups for the book signing. Nathan and Dallin waited a long time, but they thought it was worth it. It was great that both the author and illustrator were there. Dallin bought the book Pingo so he could get one signed. They got home at midnight, both full of smiles and excitement about their fun evening.
Nathan has really enjoyed the Fablehaven series. When he read in the newspaper about the launch party for the new book, he REALLY wanted to go. I knew taking the whole family to such an event would be a disaster, so we decided that Dallin would take him. I bought him a book that morning so he would be able to have it signed. They left here at about 5pm. The party was at Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake. They did a fun show and then divided people into groups for the book signing. Nathan and Dallin waited a long time, but they thought it was worth it. It was great that both the author and illustrator were there. Dallin bought the book Pingo so he could get one signed. They got home at midnight, both full of smiles and excitement about their fun evening.
A Few Random Pictures
Random is a popular word with kids these days. I think it is because it is so fun to say. Random, random, random. Here are some random moments from this year:
Domino Creations: A movie theater, including restrooms.
Domino Creations: A movie theater, including restrooms.
Sarajoy enjoying a snack!
I put Simon in time-out because he made a mess and would not clean it up. After the 5th time of getting him out of the chair, taking him over to the mess, showing him how to clean it up, him running away, etc., he was exhausted. And he won, because he did not have to clean up the mess!
Just some sweet, sweet thighs.
You just can't have too many baby pictures.
We have enough with runny noses cause this girl always has a cold!
These pictures were Daisy's idea:
And Ruby took all of these without my knowledge!
Ruby after her friend Chloe's birthday party. What fun!
And a random picture of Simon that was too cute to delete!
Do not try this at home
Okay, this looks worse than it was. I swear these objects would be too big to actually go down her throat. But just to be extra safe, we did remove them and put them where she can't get to them again. We just took some pictures...first.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Buddies
When I woke up this morning, I asked the kids how far they'd gotten on their chores. Nathan said he'd helped make breakfast and then he was taking care of "Mi'ter" (mister without the "s"). I nagged him a little to get going.
The next thing I know, little Simon is following Nathan all around "helping" Nathan with his chores. Nathan was genuinely enjoying his little shadow, and Simon couldn't have been happier.
Later, he helped Nathan make lunch. While the water was boiling, they chased each other through the house.
Nathan is an amazing oldest child. He has such a strong sense of responsibility. He has such a good heart. He responds immediately to his little siblings, especially Simon. Simon LOVES his big brother. When Nathan comes home, he gets a big hug, and, "Hi, Nade! Good See You!" He thinks it is fun to steal Nathan's hats.
Even though Dallin sleeps in Simon's room, he will sometimes wake up to see that Simon's bed is empty. That's because if Simon is going to crawl into bed with someone, it will be Nathan.
It doesn't get much better than this.
...
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