Winter Wonderland

I thought we lived in the pacific northwest where we weren't supposed to have snow and fridgid temperatures. Yesterday we got a few inches of snow (that's a lot for around here) so church was canceled (woo-whoo.... did I just say that out loud?) and spent the afternoon with friends for dinner. (Thanks Ereksons) The girls were so excited to get their snow gear on and go outside in the cold.


Aaron is in Atlanta for the next three days for work, so I think the girls and I will just lay low and stay off the roads. I don't worry about me on the road, I worry about all the "locals" who can't drive in a 1/2 in. of snow :) Its going to be a long week!

Finally!

I hope that I don't jinx myself by posting this, but I think Brooklyn is finally potty trained. She has been in big girl underwear for three days now and has had very few accidents. We've even been able to run some errands and go to other people's houses without any problems. There is no going back to diapers now! She is all sugared up too because every time she goes she gets a starburst! Well worth it though!

Great Idea!

My Aunt sent me this information and I think it is great. Many of us send out Christmas cards so why not take one and send it to a soldier that is recovering from injuries they sustained while fighting for our country. I know that we all don't agree on issues pertaining to the war but we can all agree that these brave men and women deserve our thanks. I sent out mine today!

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Feel free to put this information on your blogs if you feel so inclined. Think how great it would be if they were flooded with our thanks!

A new day!

Thanks so much for those of you who commented on my previous post. It was just one of those days. I am happy to report that, so far, this day is going well. I am trying to just adjust my perspective, smile and take a deep breath. I won't go on and on about how blessed I am, even though I truly am, but I think the best remedy for self pity is just to count my blessings. There are so many!

Blog vent

Today I am not having fun being a mom. I hate to admit this out loud but I just can't help it. Hopefully writing will help me release some frustration. The day started out promising. Anna had preschool so I had some errands planned for Brook and I. We hit Costco for gas ($1.71 woohoo) and a few things and then to the library to return a few movies. We picked up Anna from school at noon and then headed home for lunch. Then 1pm rolled around and yeah, it was now time for Brooklyn's nap. This is when it all went down hill fast. Brooklyn refused to stay in her bed and it didn't matter how many times I went and put her back in (probably a dozen) I gave up. Sorry super nanny. She'd be so disappointed.
I figured she just wouldn't nap today. Anna didn't want to lie down either so by 3 pm I had two cranky girls. They were fighting and making messes and Anna said that she hated this day because she didn't want to clean up. Another thing, they will both not leave our Christmas tree alone. They have already broke two ornaments. When telling my mom my about my tree delema she said, "well there needs to be a consequence if they don't listen." Sounds easy enough. Not when Brooklyn is the culprit though. Time outs are exhausting. She does not stay on the chair or in the corner. She actually thinks its very funny and makes a game out of it. She gets off, then runs around the corner and says, "I'm off." Anna doesn't help by whispering quietly like the little devil on Brook's shoulder, telling her to run and hide from me. Today it felt like they were ganging up on me.... and they are only 2 and 4! Finally I took all of the ornaments off the tree and explained to them that if they couldn't leave them alone, we wouldn't have them on at all. Anna preceeded to have a melt down because the tree wasn't pretty anymore. I can't win. It doesn't help that Aaron has been working 12 hour days and anytime I try to enforce anything they say, "I want DAD!" I feel bad making him feel bad because he can't help it but, I am pretty close to being all tuckered out. They need their daddy and I need .... some help!

Turkey Day

Aaron's brother Michael and his family came down from Seattle for Thanksgiving this year. We had a great time even though it was very cozy in our little two bedroom apartment. Everyone was a trooper sleeping on air mattresses wherever there was room. The thanksgiving meal was also great. Chelsea my sister in law brought some great food and my first ever turkey turned out fantastic! We played board games, the Wii, took the max downtown to see the tree lighting, went to the temple grounds and did a little online shopping. Anna and Brooklyn had such a good time playing with their 4 rowdy boy cousins!
Anna and Andrew

At the temple with Kimball

Triptifan slumber

My first turkey!

Michael, Chelsea and boys at the Temple

Declaration

After a couple promising days of potty training Brooklyn, she has made it clear to me today that she is done, saying I quote "Mommy, I don't want to be a big girl." Grrrrrr! I would pay someone to come in and do this for me!

FHE- Tonks Style

I wanted to post what we did for family night tonight. Mondays seem to roll around too often.... and Aaron is so busy with work it usually falls to me to put something together for family night. The girls loved that tonight we made a graditude turkey. On each feather we each took turns writting something that we are thankful for.

Our little orphans

Anna's Debut: Grandparents enjoy!

Sorry about all the downer posts latley, so I thought I would lighten things up a bit with Anna at our ward primary talent show. We have been practicing for weeks and I wasn't quite sure if she was going to do it, but she did and she did great! Sorry you can't really see her; I already gave Aaron a hard time for not zooming in.

Sadness

I have felt so much sadness since yesterday when I watched via the Internet, protests taking place in LA after the passing of Prop 8. I don't really want to delve into politics on my blog but I can't help but express some feelings that I had watching this go down. I was saddened by the posters that I saw. "Mormons, Go to Hell." "A California without Mormons is what we need." My sister who lives in California called and said her sister in law was stuck at the LA temple because of the police presence and protesters. They weren't letting anyone on the temple grounds, and she was in the paking lot behind the temple not sure if it was safe to leave or if she would even be able to drive out because of all the road closures and traffic. The protesters were marching through West Hollywood and their destination was the LDS Temple. I had such a waive of emotions come over me as I saw the helicopter film the enormous and beautiful temple with thousands of protesters and police with their lights on right outside the fence. What a dichotomy between the peace that the temple is and represents, against the screams and shouts and police line on the grass outside the temple. I thought of the day Aaron and I were sealed in that very temple. I thought about the poor brides that were to be sealed that this week-end mist all the chaos. I feel so sad that there is so much anger. As a member of the Church and from all I've seen from watching the coverage and talking to friends and family that live in California, the yes on prop 8 supporters were exercising their right to disagree and voted according to what they believe. That does not makes those people hate mongers, or bigoted or evil. I am grateful that tonight I can go with Aaron to our temple here, and take a moment to feel the peace that the temple can offer.

Great Find

I LOVE online shopping and the other day I came across a great find on Etsy. They are the most adorable pendants that are made out of scrabble tiles. I got this adorablee yellow one, that I thought would look so cute with black this winter. I thought they would make great affordable gifts. Check them out HERE!

Happy Halloween

Count your many blessings....

Filled up for less than $30! Woo-hoo.
Check out www.gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area.

Please Watch

Recently I learned about an abortion practice that literally made me sick to my stomach. Tiny babies who are born alive after failed ”induced birth abortions,” are left in a closet or disposal receptacle to die all alone with no medical care; abandoned until they pass away.

Even scarier: Barack Obama has voted repeatedly, 4 times to be exact, against an act that would help these babies by providing them with comfort or medical care.

Don’t believe me? There are records of Obama’s actual votes in this regard; you can read them here and here.

Please watch these videos and post them on your blogs if you feel so inclined to spread the word that this is happening among us.

Roloff Farm

Pumpkin Time

Today Aaron was able to take a half day so we went to the pumpkin patch. Actually it was Roloff farm, which is owned by the little people family who has a show in TLC. Click HERE to check out their family. We wanted to go last year and never made it so I was glad we had a chance to visit today. We saw the mom from the show and got pumpkins, ate kettle corn, saw some animals and enjoyed the beautiful Fall day. Then we headed home to carve our pumpkins. I love Fall time!

Potty Talk

I am seeking advice from all my experienced potty trainers... because I am in desperate need. My little Brookie is well passed 2 1/2 and I am a little worried that she is never going to get potty trained. Our biggest hurdle I think is that #1: She could care less if she is messy. Not to be too graphic, but she'd sit in a poopy diaper for 2 hours if I didn't change her. And #2, I don't think she has any concept of being able to hold it once she starts to pee. We've tried to just put her in underwear but after a half a dozen accidents we were done with that. I think that I am having a hard time because before Anna was even two she was able to go poop in the toilet and not long after that she was able to be dry all day. When did your kids train/ how old? Did you buy one of those small potties (we didn't with Anna) and any other ideas that worked for your family? Thanks!

Signed: Tired of wiping bums

Tag

I don't usually do tags but I thought it would be fun for journal-ing purposes and because my good friend Maurisa tagged me!



1. I love cereal! I could eat cereal for every meal of the day plus snacks. I love things that are crunchy anyway and cereal is such a quick yummy snack. Some of my favorites are Lucky Charms, Granola, Honey bunches of Oats with Almonds & Corn chex with a little sugar on top! Yum Yum!

2. I love to watch football. My brother played growing up and I always went to the high school games (even though our team was awful) and watched games on TV. I prefer college but pro games are good sometimes as well. It was so much fun when Aaron was at Ohio State because their team was so good. The games were electrifying!

3. I, like Maurisa watch QVC. I know, I know. They really have some great products and they keep me company when the girls are down and I'm preparing dinner. :) Aaron can't stand it and has a cow if I ever turn it there to see what they're selling.

4. I want to home school my girls. I won't get into this to much because people tend to start getting crazy opinionated about it, but it just makes sense for me and our family.

5. I sing in the ward choir. I sang in the honor choir in jr. high and loved it. Then in High school I decided to opt out; (Interesting crowd) and do sports, but I like to sing even though I'm not super musical.

6. I get chocked up very easily. It could be a commercial, the tabernacle choir, my kids, a talk a church. Doesn't really matter. Its way worse when I'm pregnant too. Aaron told me that I cried so much when we were first married he though something was wrong. I would say, "No I'm just a Wood (my maiden name :)) I've only seen Aaron cry maybe 4 times sense we've met.

7. I want a compost pile. I am dieing for a house and a yard so that I can plant a garden and have a compost pile. Growing up I was always the one helping my mom weed and garden and be in the dirt planting flowers. Its in my blood. I love the open space and want to be able to plant food for my family to eat and enjoy. My mom has a great garden and had a great harvest this year.

I tag whoever wants to do it!

Conference- My random thoughts

Disclaimer: For Journaling purposes

As many have written, conference was great this week-end. It is always the re-fuel that I need. I was telling Aaron that when I was a teen-ager I didn't really look forward to conference that much. The main reason was probably because growing up we didn't have TV so we had to get dressed in our church clothes and watch conference at the stake center with all the missionaries. Kind of lame when your 15.
This past week-end I would have given anything to be able to sit in a quiet chapel and listen to the inspiring words that were spoken. Instead I tried to listen while simultaneously trying to entertain the girls. I found myself cleaning up breakfast and listening from the other room when the story of Mary and Martha from the bible came to mind. I had a distinct thought, "this can wait... go listen to conference." I was glad that I followed that prompting and was truly uplifted by the talks and the music. Speaking of the music... I love the choirs. Each session the music was amazing. I found myself getting choked up on every song, especially when the children sang. I loved the hope and the optimism that was conveyed. There is so much in the world to be worried about and sometimes I tend to focus on those things. The talks were a great reminder of the blessings that we all have, and those things that we can do as individuals, parents, and spouses to help keep ourselves and our families protected from the influences of the adversary.

This morning after I dropped off Anna at pre-school I took Brooklyn on a walk. It was a beautiful day, there was morning rain but now the sun was shining so bright. I just felt happy. It wasn't that the concerns on my mind went away, it was that I focused on all that I have. I have a beautiful family, we are all healthy, Aaron has a great job, we have a place to live that keep us protected from the cold and rain. If my girls get sick I can take them to the doctor. We have healthy food to eat and clean running water. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Our ward building is 2 minutes from our house. We have a temple within 25 minutes from our home. Our family can be together forever. These last couple days I have heard some really sad stories that have happened to people that I know. A friend of my sister in laws', 1 yr old little boy died after being trapped underneath their luv sak bean bag. She gave birth a week later to a daughter. What strength they must have had and what faith in the plan of salvation. I have been blessed so much and this weekend my faith and commitment to my Savior and my family was re-newed. There is so much I have to work on and I am thankful that each day I can try again to do just a little better.

Interesting

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Babies Babies!

I just wanted to congratulate my beautiful sister Angela and her family for the birth of their little Emma Jane who was born last week. She is perfect and angelic and I know that Angie is so glad to be done being pregnant! Yeah! Ellie and Paige are exciting to have their baby sister here and I wish I was closer so I could cuddle that little piece of Heaven.
Ellie and Emma
Paige and Emma
Thompson Family
Also that week my amazing sister in law Jenny and Aaron's brother Jared welcomed their 5th baby into the world. Joshua Amos at a whopping 9 pounds arrived after a long labor and I know Jenny is grateful to be done with this pregnancy too. Jenny is wonder woman and a great example of how to be a great mom! Way to go Jenny.

I also have two other sister in law's pregnant (My brothers wife Amanda and Aaron's sister Jenn) so our families are growing and I love it! No news from us just yet. I am still trying to talk Aaron into it!

Take me out to the ball game

Seattle Trip

This past week-end we took a trip up to Seattle to visit Aaron's brother Michael and his family. We had a great time eating too much, hanging out and going to a Mariners baseball game. The girls had so much fun playing with their ruff and tumble boy cousins (4 of them to be exact) and asked when we could go back again to play. The car ride home was a little long and Anna asked, "Mom next time we go see our cousins, can we go on an airplane." Needless to say we don't travel well in our little car; little girls sitting a little to close in proximity to one another. We had a great time though and wished we could see our families more often.

Disclaimer

FYI: The video posted below was posted by Aaron. We are in no way affiliated with these "radical" tree lovers. We just thought you would like to have a good laugh.

Tree Lov-ers!

We love Cheese... and ice cream!

This past week Aaron took a couple of much needed days off of work. He was able to make it to Anna's soccer game, & Anna's first swim lesson. Yesterday we decided to venture out to the Tillimook cheese factory. They have tours where you can watch them make the cheese through large glass windows and then sample cheese and get fantastic ice cream. I thought that the workers must feel like lab rats with everyonw staring down at them as they work. It was a beautiful day so we decided to drive another 20 minutes to the coastline. We got some advice from a local to go to a place called Cape Meares. It is a beautiful point high on the cliff of the coast where they have a light house you can tour and a neat "octopus tree." (See picture below) Over-all it was a great day together and we were all tuckered out by the time we got home. Enjoy the pictures below!




Say cheese!



Aaron's reflection from the inside of the lighthouse

Little Update

Well we made it.... barely. The 15th is tomorrow and we are officially out of busy season. Aaron has been working 6 days a week about 10-12 hour days for the last month or so. It has been long and hard being a single mom, but I thank my stars everyday I have such a hard working man in my life. I keep telling myself that in the long run all of this is going to pay off. I tend to compare myself to others, (ie: my friends that already own homes and seem more settled than us) and I have to have a huge reality check. We have a wonderful family, the gospel, great friends, we live in the USA, we're all healthy, that Aaron has a good job that provides for us, and countless other blessings. Life is good!

On a lighter note, I thought I would fill everyone in on the random happenings of the last little while. I survived my first week of teaching pre-school. You wouldn't think that teaching 6 pre-schoolers would be so stressful, but when you have one that just wet her pants and another painting all over his hands and 4 others that need your attention, suddenly 2 adults just doesn't seem like enough. Anna loves it though and it will really be nice for the months I don't teach to be able to drop her off two days a week and spend some time with Brookie. Anna is still doing soccer as well. She had another game and I had to laugh because all of the other kids for the most part are running after the ball and Anna, is kind of looking around with a confused look on her face like she doesn't know what to do. Maybe soccer won't be her thing but in the mean time she is having fun.

Brooklyn is doing well. I am a tad frustrated because she is showing NO interest in potty training. Anna was potty trained at 2 years old, and so I am a little lost in trying to get this process going. I know that I probably just need to be patient until she is ready but each time I go to Costco to buy diapers, I vow to start that week. No luck though. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :) She is a joy though. She is very independent and wants to do things all by herself. Lately she has been really attached to a purple dress that she got while in California. She wants to wear it everyday! At bed she'll come out and have taken off her PJ's and want to put the dress on. I have stopped fighting it so she has it on a lot lately.



Aaron was excited yesterday for the big Ohio State VS. USC game. He had to work most the day but made it home by kick off. Here he is in his Ohio State chair, and shirt. (He also has a hat and red shoes that you can't see) He was decked out trying to show his buckeye spirit but it sure didn't help the bucks, because they got killed 35-3. Sorry honey.


Last night we also had a great game night with some friends in the ward. The kids had a great time playing and we had a great time laughing and playing games. I made a while chocolate fruit tart which turned out pretty good. If you want the recipe you can go to domestic goddess under by browsing link or click HERE

Anna's soccer debut

Our stake is offering a free soccer league so we signed Anna up. She was so upset the first practice and cried quite a bit. This is the first time she has really done a class of some sort where I have had to leave her so it took a little adjusting. She did much better when we got her on a team where she had a friend and she did much better. Since then she has done great! 4 and 5 year old don't really play soccer, they kind of just run around and chase the ball in a giant clump. It is great to give her time to run around with other kids and follow instructions from someone other than me. Below is a video of Anna chasing the ball. It's for you mom!
Sage and Anna


We also started preschool yesterday. Brooklyn is going to be staying with me this year when I teach and co-teach as well. She seemed to do well yesterday and I am looking forward to a good year. Aaron is still super busy with work. I am looking forward to the 15th when things will slow down and we will have our daddy and husband back. I am grateful that he is such a hard worker but we all really miss him when he is gone. Brooklyn always asks if dad is coming home on the airplane because she thinks he is out of town, because there are some weeks where she goes a few days without seeing him. Someday they will understand "busy season(s)!"

First day of preschool 08'