Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Short visit from my parents
Last thursday at 6:00am I got a phone call from my Momma telling me that indeed she and my Dad had a 6 hour lay over in the Seattle airport, and could they come hang out with me as opposed to the sea-tac airport employees. For all of those who live away from family, you can only imagine how excited I was. Even though we only got four hours together, it was so good to see them. My Dad had never been to our house before so that was fun. Although Liv doesn't show it in this picture, she was so excited to see Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks for calling us Momma. Come again.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Pregnancy
I've been feeling the baby move this week, and I love it. I forgot how fun that little feeling is inside of my body. I love knowing there really is something in there. It makes this baby seem real to me, and makes me think of "it" more often. Speaking of "it", we find out the gender in a week and a half. Technically, since I am 19 weeks I could just walk down to the local mall, pay somebody 60 bucks, and find out the gender, but I'm going to exercise some self control, save the $60 bucks and wait. It is tempting though. Ha the baby just kicked. How fun.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Oxygen
I feel like celebrating every day, because I'm not sick anymore. I've been cleaning and exercising and eating good food again. Life is so good when you don't feel like throwing up 24 hours a day, or when the only food your eating is a greasy burrito supreme from taco bell. Yuck. How did I eat so many of those?
On another note, are you ready for a soap box? Cause I'm about to jump on. Watch out. . .
Last night as I was laying in bed talking with Jaron, I had an epiphany that I thought I would share, mostly so I don't forget it. I was trying to evaluate why some days the kids behave so good and others behave so bad. After a lot of thinking and discussion, I came to the conclusion that the answer lies in my own attitude. It sounds so simple I know, but allow me to explain. On days when I have the right perspective in mind, I feel a sense of beauty in my roll as a mom. I feel excited to have a day with my kids. Its another day to teach them good things, to provide happy memories, and to laugh together. To make cookies, build forts, play princesses, have tea parties. To read books, memorize scriptures, learn primary songs, do chores, practice violin, color, learn to cut, learn to dress, learn, learn, learn. There is so much I want to teach and give my kids, so many memories I still want to create. On these days I feel excited and grateful to be a mom. I feel grateful that my kids are still at home with me. I view time as a precious entity. On these days my kids are happy to be my kids. On these days my kids feel loved, because I have spent quality time with each of them. On these days my kids go to bed with out a fuss, because they have gotten what they need and they are happy.
On the other hand, the bad days usually happen as a result of the bad attitude I wake up with. I wake up feeling behind and anxious. I have an unrealistic goal to accomplish too many things in one day. I have my own agenda, but none of it involves time with the kids. I have no clear goals or activities planned for them. They are in the way, and I need simply to just find things that will distract them from interrupting me. Instead of a mom, I feel like a babysitter, counting down the hours until my other half can relieve me of my motherly duties. I'm grouchy and mean. The kids get bored and want attention, and as a result act in a negative way to get the attention. On these days, I ironically get way less done then I should have. It is on these days that I don't feel like cooking anything for dinner. It is on these days that I go to bed feeling discouraged and regretful, but also, determined to make the next day better.
As a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a neighbor, a friend, a visiting teacher, and a member of the church, there are always going to be things that have to get done. I can't simply neglect the house, or my callings, or other relationships to focus only on my children. I don't think that is how life is meant to be. Family comes first, yes, but there are other things that also need to be taken care of in the line up. Children need to be loved. They need to have quality time with their parents, but they also need to learn to give, and to work, and to sacrifice.
Life is one big balancing act. It just is. And part of our test on earth is to figure out how to beautifully balance life. I don't have it figured out, but I can tell you that I really think for me, my attitude of motherhood makes all the difference in how my day goes. And there are certain things that I have found ensure the "good attitude switch" to be turned on.
I read a book once on parenting, that gave the analogy of putting on yor own oxygen mask first when the airplane is going down. It seems so wrong at first thought, to think of securing our own oxygen mask before securing our child's, but the point of the analogy is that if you don't have any oxygen, how are you going to save your children? I think this concept is naturally counter-intuitive for most of us mothers, because we want to give to our children before we give to ourselves. And often times we get to the end of the day, or perhaps the beginning of the day, and we realize we never even put our own oxygen mask on. I think we have to fight the natural selflessness that is in us, and be a little selfish, so that we can be even MORE selfless to others around us.
For me, I have learned that there are certain things that give me my oxygen, so that I can be a good mom to my kids, and have a healthy attitude of my roll as their mom. These things are what really make the difference in my good and bad days, and it has nothing to do with the attitude of my kids.
FIRST : The most important thing for me is to have meaningful prayer and scripture study. The earlier on in the day that I do this the better it is. I can't always do it in the morning, because sometimes (especially when I'm prego) my kids wake me up. So I do it during nap/quiet time. But I always try to pray first thing in the morning, even if the kids are awake. I take a minute to myself to pray and ask for guidance and help through my day. This is key for me.
SECOND: Exercise. Another obvious one. For me, if I have exercised, I'm just a happier person, and I have energy to do the things I want to do.
THIRD: Eat healthy. On days that I eat unhealthy, I feel discouraged, and have less energy. It is worth having a little self control to feel good for the whole day. The better I eat, the better I feel, and the better of a mother and wife I am.
I love realizing that the key to happier days is something that I can control. Its all in my own attitude. Its all in putting my own oxygen tank on first so that I can have that good attitude and help my kids get the oxygen they need. My oxygen is studying the scriptures, having meaningful prayer, exercising, and eating healthy. Its so empowering to realize that how my day goes is up to me, and no one else.
What's your oxygen?
On another note, are you ready for a soap box? Cause I'm about to jump on. Watch out. . .
Last night as I was laying in bed talking with Jaron, I had an epiphany that I thought I would share, mostly so I don't forget it. I was trying to evaluate why some days the kids behave so good and others behave so bad. After a lot of thinking and discussion, I came to the conclusion that the answer lies in my own attitude. It sounds so simple I know, but allow me to explain. On days when I have the right perspective in mind, I feel a sense of beauty in my roll as a mom. I feel excited to have a day with my kids. Its another day to teach them good things, to provide happy memories, and to laugh together. To make cookies, build forts, play princesses, have tea parties. To read books, memorize scriptures, learn primary songs, do chores, practice violin, color, learn to cut, learn to dress, learn, learn, learn. There is so much I want to teach and give my kids, so many memories I still want to create. On these days I feel excited and grateful to be a mom. I feel grateful that my kids are still at home with me. I view time as a precious entity. On these days my kids are happy to be my kids. On these days my kids feel loved, because I have spent quality time with each of them. On these days my kids go to bed with out a fuss, because they have gotten what they need and they are happy.
On the other hand, the bad days usually happen as a result of the bad attitude I wake up with. I wake up feeling behind and anxious. I have an unrealistic goal to accomplish too many things in one day. I have my own agenda, but none of it involves time with the kids. I have no clear goals or activities planned for them. They are in the way, and I need simply to just find things that will distract them from interrupting me. Instead of a mom, I feel like a babysitter, counting down the hours until my other half can relieve me of my motherly duties. I'm grouchy and mean. The kids get bored and want attention, and as a result act in a negative way to get the attention. On these days, I ironically get way less done then I should have. It is on these days that I don't feel like cooking anything for dinner. It is on these days that I go to bed feeling discouraged and regretful, but also, determined to make the next day better.
As a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a neighbor, a friend, a visiting teacher, and a member of the church, there are always going to be things that have to get done. I can't simply neglect the house, or my callings, or other relationships to focus only on my children. I don't think that is how life is meant to be. Family comes first, yes, but there are other things that also need to be taken care of in the line up. Children need to be loved. They need to have quality time with their parents, but they also need to learn to give, and to work, and to sacrifice.
Life is one big balancing act. It just is. And part of our test on earth is to figure out how to beautifully balance life. I don't have it figured out, but I can tell you that I really think for me, my attitude of motherhood makes all the difference in how my day goes. And there are certain things that I have found ensure the "good attitude switch" to be turned on.
I read a book once on parenting, that gave the analogy of putting on yor own oxygen mask first when the airplane is going down. It seems so wrong at first thought, to think of securing our own oxygen mask before securing our child's, but the point of the analogy is that if you don't have any oxygen, how are you going to save your children? I think this concept is naturally counter-intuitive for most of us mothers, because we want to give to our children before we give to ourselves. And often times we get to the end of the day, or perhaps the beginning of the day, and we realize we never even put our own oxygen mask on. I think we have to fight the natural selflessness that is in us, and be a little selfish, so that we can be even MORE selfless to others around us.
For me, I have learned that there are certain things that give me my oxygen, so that I can be a good mom to my kids, and have a healthy attitude of my roll as their mom. These things are what really make the difference in my good and bad days, and it has nothing to do with the attitude of my kids.
FIRST : The most important thing for me is to have meaningful prayer and scripture study. The earlier on in the day that I do this the better it is. I can't always do it in the morning, because sometimes (especially when I'm prego) my kids wake me up. So I do it during nap/quiet time. But I always try to pray first thing in the morning, even if the kids are awake. I take a minute to myself to pray and ask for guidance and help through my day. This is key for me.
SECOND: Exercise. Another obvious one. For me, if I have exercised, I'm just a happier person, and I have energy to do the things I want to do.
THIRD: Eat healthy. On days that I eat unhealthy, I feel discouraged, and have less energy. It is worth having a little self control to feel good for the whole day. The better I eat, the better I feel, and the better of a mother and wife I am.
I love realizing that the key to happier days is something that I can control. Its all in my own attitude. Its all in putting my own oxygen tank on first so that I can have that good attitude and help my kids get the oxygen they need. My oxygen is studying the scriptures, having meaningful prayer, exercising, and eating healthy. Its so empowering to realize that how my day goes is up to me, and no one else.
What's your oxygen?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Making bread with the kids.
Yesterday we needed a fun activity to do, because I knew we would be home all day. So I decided take a look in my art file and I pulled out this recipe for "Easiest Bread Dough" that I found in a toddler art book, that I had checked out from the library awhile ago.
My kids LOVED this fun and messy activity.
Here are their creations.
The bread turns out hard and crunchy, and isn't the tastiest thing you'll ever have, but that's what happens when a toddler makes their own bread, and they don't care! Liv wanted to sprinkle butter and cinnamon and sugar on hers, and she was very happy at the result. Easiest Bread Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tsp sugar
1 tablespoon yeast
2 cup flour plus more for kneading the dough
1 tablespoon oil
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
*Mix water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl until yeast softens (2-3 min). Add 1 cup of flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Then beat the mixture until smooth and add oil and salt. Then add another cup of flour.
*Pour the thick batter onto a floured board and add more flour slowly while kneading the dough. (Children love this part) Keep a coating of flour on the dough to prevent sticking. Kead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and satiny. It should bounce back if a finger is poked into it.
*Put the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Place in a warm area and let the dough rise for about 45 minutes. then punch it down and work it into a smooth ball.
*Divide the dough into portions for the children to use.
*Preheat the oven to 400degrees
*Mold and shape the dough into sculptures or forms. Use various kitchen tools for modeling, such as plastic knives, forks, toothpicks, and bamboo skewers.
*Place each sculpture on a baking sheet.
*Bake for 15-20 minutes in the lower part of the oven. Large forms may take longer. Make until golden.
Friday, January 14, 2011
If you like lamb. . .
Give this recipe a try the next time your in the mood for lamb. Jaron and I both gave this delicious meal five stars. It was so good we couldn't stop commenting on it. It felt like a meal we would get at a fancy restaurant. Even our kiddos loved it.
Just remember not to overcook the lamb, that is the key, but thats the key to any good meat isn't it? Keep it pink in the middle.
It was especially good with the spinach salad (which consisted of spinach, almonds, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing). I thought the salad and the lamb complimented each other very well.
Moi bien.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Lunch with a missionary
On monday we got a phone call from one Elder Derek Brown. Said he was off to Mexico and had permission from the pres to hang out with the fam on his last day. Lucky for us, we all had strep throat, so Jaron was home from work anyway. Hopefully we didn't infect the traveling elder! Anyway it was awesome to see Derek. He's a great missionary. Its crazy to think that when I first met this kid his voice was high and he was still flapping his arms everytime he got excited. Now he's a handsome, obedient elder out doing the work of the Lord.
We went and picked him up at his home and Bellevue, took him to lunch at the delicious five guys, and brought him back to our house for only a few minutes. The kids loved seeing him. As you can tell from the pictures, Warner really loves Uncle D. He was all smiles. And Olivia didn't want to leave Derek's side. We wanted to hang out with him all afternoon, but he said he wanted to go visit some converts that he had just baptized on his last day. What a great missionary.
Adios Elder Brown. Our prayers are with you. May the people of Mexico treat you well and receive your wonderful message. We love you and are so proud of you.
We went and picked him up at his home and Bellevue, took him to lunch at the delicious five guys, and brought him back to our house for only a few minutes. The kids loved seeing him. As you can tell from the pictures, Warner really loves Uncle D. He was all smiles. And Olivia didn't want to leave Derek's side. We wanted to hang out with him all afternoon, but he said he wanted to go visit some converts that he had just baptized on his last day. What a great missionary.
Adios Elder Brown. Our prayers are with you. May the people of Mexico treat you well and receive your wonderful message. We love you and are so proud of you.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Delicious Muffins
I wanted to do something fun with Olivia today, so I decided we would bake some muffins. We used an apple muffin recipe from the sisters cafe, which I have used before and love. This time, however instead of using applesauce I used 1 cup of sweetened, pureed mango pulp, which can be found in specialty Indian markets. I'm telling you these muffins are usually delish, but the sweetened mango pulp put them over the top. The sweetness of the mangos makes these muffins almost like a dessert, not to mention extra moist. Needless to say, Liv is a great little cook, and I'm going to use mango pulp from now on.
Also- it says to cook the muffins for 20 min, I only cooked them 15, but it probably depends on your oven.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
So sleepy
This is the result of a fun packed day at a museum. Is there anything more precious than babies when they are asleep? Ok so my kids aren't babies anymore, but they look like my babies again when they are sleeping so quiet and peacefully. Ah. They melt my heart. It makes me so excited to have another baby. Now that I'm over the pregnancy nausea, I can say that. The only side effect I have is sleepiness. This week I have pretty much fallen asleep every night around 8:00 or 9:00, and slept until 8:00 the next morning. Aside from the 4 times a night I get up to use the rest room, or wake up from crazy dreams, I'de say I'm getting some pretty good sleep. Last night I had a dream that martians were attacking us. And just as this wierd, little alien man was walking towards me holding my crying baby, I made myself wake up.
Christmas with the Brown's
Now that I got that last post out of the way, I can post why the horrible travels were all worth it. And I can pretty much sum it up with one word:
FOOD!!!!
More specifically:
Momma Brown's cinnamon rolls
Papa Brown's roast
Momma Brown's heavenly hash brownies
Auntie Chelice's crab Dip
Auntie Chelice's creamy mashed potatoes
The homemade ice cream from the Amish store, with chocolate hard-shell on top
Papa Brown's brined turkey
Momma Brown's homemade rolls
Momma Brown's homemade rolls
Indeed, I came home a fat blob, but it was well worth it.
Now for some documentation of our trip. First things first.
Tea party with Prince Danny and Princess Aurora (per Liv's request)
Pictures with the worlds cutest pug, Matilda. I can still say I love this little doggy, even though she almost killed my child ;).
A bonding moment for Matilda and Warner, while, they were both undoubtedly thinking "why do these humans force us to dress up in silly things and take pictures, and when will this be over?"
As long as he's not asleep or dressed up in something silly, when a camera is pointed at him, Warner will almost unfailingly smile and say "Cheeeeeesssee!!!!"
The Las Vegas version of temple square lights at a church in Broken Arrow.
Papa Brown slaving away so that we could all enjoy a delicious Christmas Eve feast.
Trying to steer clear of crazy cooking ladies in the kitchen. . .
Ali and Danny in their absolutely beautifully homemade Christmas sweaters. I love these guys. You can't see it in the picture but Danny's Christmas tree has lights on it that actually light up! So awesome.
 |
| Christmas Eve dinner. Which was, oh so good. |
 | ||
| Jaron, looking full and lethargic. |
And finally.
Christmas Morning:
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| After Liv got a Cinderella dress, Warner insisted on dressing up as well. So here he is. My boy that likes to wear dresses. What can I say? How was your Christmas? |
A Note on Traveling with Kids
1.Always take lots of food, because hungry kids are unhappy kids. And airport food is usually yucky and expensive.
2.Don't waste your time with books if your child is 4 or under, because they just weigh down your carry on and in the case that your flight has problems and you end up having to waste time walking around the airport for 9 HOURS, it will really cause your shoulder to practically disintegrate into millions of pieces along with your brain.
3.Know that while a teaspoon of benedryl isn't going to kill your child, it just may save your life, or at least your sanity.
4.Try ever so hard to find an empty seat for your "oh so wiggly, never stops moving" one year old. It just may provide a little more space so as to lessen the kicks and waps to the nauseous pregnant belly or the ever so sensitive male groin region.
5. Don't feel guilty about the 5 suckers that your kid has downed in the last three hours, because it was well worth that 15 minutes of peace and tranquility.
And a side note to the phoenix airport: May I never see the likes of you again!
2.Don't waste your time with books if your child is 4 or under, because they just weigh down your carry on and in the case that your flight has problems and you end up having to waste time walking around the airport for 9 HOURS, it will really cause your shoulder to practically disintegrate into millions of pieces along with your brain.
3.Know that while a teaspoon of benedryl isn't going to kill your child, it just may save your life, or at least your sanity.
4.Try ever so hard to find an empty seat for your "oh so wiggly, never stops moving" one year old. It just may provide a little more space so as to lessen the kicks and waps to the nauseous pregnant belly or the ever so sensitive male groin region.
5. Don't feel guilty about the 5 suckers that your kid has downed in the last three hours, because it was well worth that 15 minutes of peace and tranquility.
And a side note to the phoenix airport: May I never see the likes of you again!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Twas the Night Before Christmas. . .
J took the picture of the lunar rainbow a few nights before we left for Oklahoma. It was a perfectly crisp and peaceful night to request an early arrival from Santa Clause. Luckily he makes special exceptions for those who are traveling with kids across the country and don't want to haul all of their presents too and fro, and sometimes, just sometimes, he'll drop your presents off early for you. Thank you Santa.
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