Tagged

So Misha tagged me and I'm supposed to come up with six random things about myself. I'm not really sure what she might be expecting but I came up with a couple things that you may or may not know.

1. I used to convince anyone willing to peel my oranges for me because I couldn't stand the way it felt underneath my fingernails. Course, I didn't tell them that. I told them I didn't know how. And they actually believed me! I started peeling oranges myself only within the last few years seeing as there was no one around older than three that I could convince to do it for me. I still hate the feeling but I love oranges, so it's worth it, as long as there is a sink nearby.

2. I often (at least once a month :) ) visualize myself diving into a swimming pool filled with warm melted chocolate. I imagine myself keeping my mouth open the whole way.

3. I can't shop in department stores because all the clothes racks are at about the same level as my eyes and it freaks me out. I start feeling clausterphobic and have panic attacks. I would much rather shop at a store like American Eagle where most of the clothes are laying on tables or hung up on the wall. Not to mention I love their clothes anyway.

4. Speaking of shopping. I hate shopping for clothes by myself because Ryan has such better taste than I do. Half the time I wonder, will Ryan like this? I usually end up putting things back thinking I'll come back later with Ryan and see if he thinks it looks good. He usually doesn't and always find something better. Course, when it comes time to wearing those clothes somewhere important he's no help at all. Everything looks good.

5. Most anyone who has ever lived with me knows I have a crumb problem. I can't stand them. I hate seeing them on a counter, I hate walking on them in bare feet, and I especially hate to watch them fall from someone's mouth onto a table when there is a perfectly good plate nearby. 'Nough said about that.

6. I absolutely love all the dear friends I have in my life. I admire so many of the strengths I see in the great women I know and have learned so much from every one of them. I feel like I am a better, wife, mother, and person in general because of the influence of the people I know now and have known throughout the years. Here's my personal confession. I feel like a failure as a mother. I have this fear that no matter what I do, it's not going to be enough. There's always something else, something more that I should do to help my children have better futures. I see the wonderful talents in the women around me and think, I'm just not up for that. There's no way I can do it all, I realize that, but I also think, there's no way I'm d0ing enough. My children deserve so much more. This is where I just hope that they'll be okay despite my inadequacies. And this is why I love the women around me. Because they always inspire me to try a little harder, to make one more effort today than I made yesterday and just keep trying. And because I feel like they love me and keep supporting me no matter what faults I have.

So, maybe that's a little more, or a little less, than you wanted to know about me. I don't feel like I'm a great mystery. I think everyone sees the crazy things I do like they're written on my face. And sometimes I stay home just for that reason.

So now I think I'm supposed to tag someone else. How about Breanne, Kelly, Karin, Jamie, and Lori. Unless you've done this before. Then I'll have to search your blogs. Thanks Misha, for the opportunity to actually write some things that I was pretty sure were already on my face.

First Day of Summer

Ryan got me a new camera for my birthday that I can take with me to Hawaii next week. I decided to try it out on the kids as they launched themselves down the slip and slide today. Six pictures later and my memory card was full. What? Guess that makes one more thing to buy before I leave. But I must say, it takes great pictures. Thanks Ryan.

Sundance and Rock Canyon

Saturday Ryan packed a picnic lunch for the family and we drove up to Aspen grove. It was freezing! But Timpanogos was gorgeous (in the background).

We decided to try hiking around Rock Canyon instead and we weren't disappointed. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a lot of fun. Austin's getting a lot more stable on his little size 6 feet and managed to make it around some of the rocks. Eden took advantage of Austin's determination to ride on her Dad's shoulders (poor Ryan). And Dallin and Cameron had fun discovering new rocks. i.e....

"Hey Dad, look at this cool rock I found."

"Cameron, it's gravel."

"Hey Dallin, look at this, it's gravel."

Almost There...

Stay on target...

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'm just kind of proud of myself and thought I'd share my accomplishments as of late. Last Saturday I ran 4.75 miles in just under an hour. Whoopee! For me that's huge. I did it all without stopping and even ran up a major hill. I thought for sure I'd collapse at the top, but instead Leona Lewis' song came up on my ipod and I found myself singing along and running even faster. I'm sure you're all bummed you missed that.
Nevertheless, I'm excited that my shins haven't broken in two and that I can go farther, faster. (The Saturday before I did 4.5 miles in just over an hour, so I'm improving).

I'm looking forward to trying a couple of miles in Maui next week along the beach with "Beautiful Day" blaring in my ears.

Finally!

Austin finally learned how to say "Cam" this week. It took a little coaxing from Mom and Dad. You know practice for 30 min. a day for four or five days. But he can do it! Yeah. Cameron can't seem to get enough of it. "Austin, if you want help just say Cam." "CAM!" She giggles and runs off to help. It's like that with everything and cracks us all up.

Mother's Day

I realize this is a little after the fact but I had to take a moment to remember the wonderful mother's day I had. Honestly, I think it was the first year I really felt special. Someone said at church on Sunday that you know your kids love you when they reflect the way you love them. I think that summed up my day.

Dallin woke everyone up at 6:30 (except me of course) to make special waffles that I can eat, with honey and strawberries, just the way I like them. When it was time to eat I walked through my bedroom door that was decorated with pink streamers and yellow balloons. (On Valentines Day I often decorate their doors with streamers and yellow is my favorite color). There was a big sign in the living room that said "Happy Mothers Day" and gifts on the table. I was suprised at how much thought and effort the kids put into the gifts they made this year. While I was admiring the things Dallin and Cameron made Eden ran into her room and ran back. "I don't have anything for you Mom!" She was so upset I could feel her sincere desire to have provided some kind of gift. In that moment it was definitely the thought that counted.

Ryan got me DDR, much to his own reluctance, I know. So it was a nice surprise and we had a lot of fun dancing with my mom when she came for dinner. The rest of the day was relaxing and very enjoyable. Ryan made lunch and dinner and cleaned everything up, always the best part.

I felt like everyones efforts were sincere and full of love and appreciation for me. I think that's all I really want sometimes; a little validation that who I am and what I do doesn't go unnoticed. It also showed me that service and sincerity reach deeper into the tender corners of my heart than big gifts. I'm really grateful for all that my family did for me on Mother's Day. It was a special day that I will never forget.

Go Go Groceries

I just had my first experience buying groceries online. I bought a whole bunch of brown rice pasta and some gluten free cake mixes for a great deal and the best part, free shipping and no taxes. Holy Cow! I've always been skeptical thinking they would jack up the prices of the food to cover the shipping cost but it was actually cheaper than buying it at the local health food store. Thanks Jacque for showing me the light.

No Name

So, yesterday morning Ryan was helping Austin say family prayer before the kids left for school. Austin repeated after Ryan, i.e. "Heavenly Father," "Father," "Please bless Daddy." "Daddy." "Please bless Dallin." "Dallin." "Please bless Cameron." "..." Nothing. You know why? Because Austin can't say Cameron's name and doesn't even try. He learned "helicopter" last Saturday, he can say "pacifier, blue, see ya, sure, and Waluigi" and of course everyone else's name in the family including "Jacque". But for some reason the kid just can't manage "Cameron". He has conversations with Eden by yelling at her down the stairs. He tells me what he wants to eat like "cheese stick" and is very clear about what he likes and doesn't like. He will tell you "not yet" if he's not ready and like I said he started saying "sure" which just cracks me up. We've tried getting him to say Cam or ammy or anything and he still doesn't try. Mum's the word when it comes to her. Of course he loves her and smothers her with hugs and kisses when she gets home from school but as far as I know he's decided she's nameless. Go figure.

I will definitely celebrate the day he finally says her name and you'll be the first to hear about it, after Cameron of course.